We are enjoying a summer full of ceremony, gatherings, celebrations, and the flourishing of creation! Many of us have also been anticipating several decisions from the United States Supreme Court that will profoundly impact all tribal nations and Indigenous people.
The United States Supreme Court issued decisions on several cases impacting Indian Country: Haaland v. Brackeen, Department of the Interior v. Navajo Nation, and Arizona v. Navajo Nation. MIWSAC celebrates the profound victory of the Indian Child Welfare Act being upheld in Haaland v. Brackeen. We celebrate the safety of Native children, and we will continue our work to achieve and maintain safety for Native women. The National Indian Women’s Resource Center filed an amicus brief in this case. MIWSAC echoes their statement: “…declaring ICWA to be unconstitutional would significantly impede the ability of Tribal Nations to protect their women and children and would result in increased levels of violence against the population whose safety Congress intended for ICWA to serve.”
The International Human Rights Campaign has issued a State of Emergency for our LGBTQ2S+ relatives. Please access the HRC’s guidebook for action to know your rights as you live, work, and travel around the United States. MIWSAC stands in solidarity with our LGBTQ2S+ relatives, family members, and service providers. We will continue our work to address and end the epidemic of sexual violence being perpetrated against Indigenous folks, even as we face an unprecedented amount of anti-LGBTQ2S+ legislation being introduced around the country. Please contact MIWSAC for more information or resources to support your communities.
Upcoming Events:
August 8-10, 2023 | Tulsa, Oklahoma | 18th Annual OVW Tribal Government-to-Government Consultation | Find more information here
August 22, 2023 | 5:30pm-7:30pm | CityScape room at the Hilton Union Square, San Francisco, CA | CSSAC Reception at National Sexual Assault Conference (NSAC)