b'ADVOCACYThe NIWRC is also an important advocate for policy change and works to ensure that the voices of Indigenous women and girls are included in policy discussions and decisions that affect their livesStill, many Indigenous communities in the U.S. continue topractices into their programs. They respect the cultural diversity face obstacles in accessing their sacred ceremonial sites, andthat exists within Indigenous communities, as well as the critical they require government permission and specialized permits torole that tradition plays in the healing process for survivors of collect items for their sacred ceremonies. Attempts at assimila- violence. What makes us different from other women of colour tion have also had a devastating effect, stripping Indigenousis that we are sovereign Nations, Sahneyah stresses. So, our people of their way of life. All of it was taken from us. My motherwork is based on restoring the sovereignty of our native Nations was disciplined when she spoke Hopi or Tewa, says Sahneyah.and reclaiming Indigenous systems that reflect our values, views We were exposed to physical, sexual and emotional violence.and cultures. As an organization that understands the significance of trad- POLICY CHANGEitional teachings and healing practices in the lives of IndigenousThe NIWRC is also an important advocate for policy change and women and girls, the NIWRC strives to integrate traditionalworks to ensure that the voices of Indigenous women and girls are included in policy discussions and decisions that affect their lives. The organization has developed a wide range of resources that highlight the unique challenges of Indigenous women and girls, and they advocate for crucial legislation to address them. These tools are designed to educate policymakers, advocates and the public about the importance of supporting Indigenous women and girls and the role that culture and tradition play in promoting healing and resilience. The NIWRC also advocates for the recognition of tribal sover-eignty and the rights of Indigenous Nations to address violence Indigenous Health, Today! within their own communities. American Indian, Alaska Native covers all health related matters and Native Hawaiian women across the U.S. often face the surrounding Indigenous Peoples from harsh reality of fleeing their homes and homelands to escape coast to coast to coast, visit violence, while the maze of federal laws and policies leave them www.ihtoday.ca unprotected and vulnerable. We are very aware of the issues that surround housing, and that shelter needs in Indian Country are WANT TO PARTNER WITH particularly unique, Sahneyah says. INDIGENOUS HEALTH TODAY? The NIWRC has also made progress in addressing violence Contact sales@nationtalk.ca against Indigenous women and girls through the SURVIVE Act, for more details which provides funding to tribal governments and organizations. The act funds a wide range of activities, including victim services, prevention programs, law enforcement training and data collec-tion. As Sahneyah explains, The SURVIVE Act allows resources to be directly available to tribes, whereas before, the funds went directly to the state and tribes had to request money. If we are sovereign Nations, we should not be asking the state. DIRECT RESOURCESIn addition to their important advocacy work, the team at the NIWRC provides services to Indigenous women and girls who have experienced violence, including training and technical assistance for tribal programs and legal representation. They 20Fall/Winter 2023'