ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - October 12, 2018 - From creating a safe and supporting environment for unsheltered Native youth to an immediate implementation of an AMBER Alert system on the Navajo Nation, the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women (CSVANW) will honor eight individuals and organizations for their contributions in ending violence against Native women and children.
The Coalition will host the 3rd Annual Awards Gala and Auction on Friday, October 19 at the Sandia Golf Club where about 150 people are expected to congratulate their colleagues and raise funding for the 23-year-old Coalition.
Reaching thousands, the Coalition asked tribal communities across the region to nominate an individual or organization that has made a significant contribution in the work to end violence against Native women and children.
CSVANW Executive Director Deleana OtherBull said the Coalition started this awards ceremony to recognize those who have worked tirelessly in the domestic violence and sexual assault field and found ways to work through the endless jurisdictional, judicial and funding challenges.
"Our honorees exemplify the meaning of courage, strength and resilience," OtherBull said. "Often with limited resources, they are on the frontlines every single day at all hours, responding to sexual assaults, domestic violence and child abuse. They are investigating the upmost, heartbreaking cases and providing critical support services to survivors. It is our time to celebrate them and show gratitude in hopes that it will inspire others to never give up when it comes to working towards ending violence in our communities."
The 2018 honorees include:
- Leadership in Excellence- Honorable Delegate Amber Kanazbah Crotty, Navajo Nation Council
- Advocate of the Year- Rosaline Jose, shelter case manager, Family Crisis Center Domestic Violence Shelter
- Excellence in Public Safety- BIA Office of Justice Services - Ute Mountain Ute Agency
- Emerging Leader- Alexandria Trujillo, Laguna Pueblo
- Excellence in Community Engagement- the Transgender Resource Center of New Mexico
- Excellence in Advocacy- Valencia Shelter Services
- Excellence in Community Health & Wellness- Kewa House Emergency Youth Shelter
- First Responder of the Year- Sgt. Robbin Burge, Isleta Police Department
"With their efforts, including the services the Transgender Resource Center of New Mexico, many of our honorees provide much needed aid for our Native relatives, including our Native trans relatives," OtherBull said. "It is with great pride that we honor our 2018 Coalition Champions and provide space to celebrate their amazing work and achievements."
For example,
when the Navajo Nation lost Ashlynne Mike, an 11-year-old who was abducted, sexually assaulted and murdered in 2016,Council Delegate Amber Kanazbah Crotty created the Naabik'íyáti' Sexual Assault Prevention Subcommittee and immediately went to work to push for the implementation of an AMBER Alert system on the Navajo Nation through her advocacy to her fellow colleagues.
"Delegate Crotty has made important progress in the sexual violence prevention movement on the Navajo Nation, created important partnerships and continues to participate in public outreach events to spread awareness of sexual violence and domestic violence," said Jolene Holgate of the Navajo Nation Office of the Speaker.
Other nominees, including Kewa House Emergency Youth Shelter, offered support and services for Kewa's homeless youth. "Amongst a multiplicity of problems arising from the root of colonialism, unsheltered people, especially unsheltered youth, are the most vulnerable to different types of violence, and an organization I believe disrupts this cycle and promotes the overall wellness of Native youth, is the Kewa Emergency Youth Shelter," said Christian White. "...They are an inspiration to everyone as they continue engaging youth within the community."
For more details about honoree achievements, click here .
The gala's silent auction will include jewelry, Pueblo pottery, paintings and others.
