DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

OVERVIEW

Restoring Ancestral Winds is dedicated to honoring the survivors of the Boarding School Era and their descendants. We understand as a Tribal organization that so many of the acts of violence we experience within our homes have roots in the traumas our people experienced through an ongoing history of forceful and violent assimilation. Domestic Violence is not traditional. Restoring Ancestral Winds seeks to honor all relatives and their right to safety and healing within the home.

Restoring Ancestral Winds is honored to strengthen the voices of Native survivors and Indigenous intelligence into policy and action. We recognize that we are in a time of deep awareness, of the pain and exploitation of Indigenous land and body. Our strength through this time is matched with tremendous advocacy and love for our ancestor's homeland and future generations.

Domestic Violence, as Defined by NIWRC

Domestic violence (DV) is one or multiple types of abuse, such as physical, emotional/verbal, sexual, financial, cultural, spiritual, or digital abuse toward a relative. Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a form of domestic violence that happens when a current or former spouse or intimate partner engages in a repetitive, fear-inducing pattern of abuse toward their partner to maintain power and control in a relationship. This pattern of abuse can take place in relationships where couples are dating, married, living together, having a child together, or after the relationship has ended. While abuse can happen to anyone, the vast majority of victims of IPV are women primarily male offenders. In Indigenous communities, violence is not traditional. The root cause of violence is colonization, as it imposes and promotes the domination and ownership of Native women by men and is reflected in violence against Indigenous women seen throughout history since contact. This reality has laid the foundation for present-day violence against Native people.

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Empowering Communities Resources

Violence is Not Our Tradition

Violence Against Women is not a Native tradition. It was not tolerated and in the rare event that it occurred, it was taken seriously. The abuse wasn’t considered a “private family matter.”

It is important we examine our past and know where we were, understand how we got to be where we are today and celebrate that the solutions to the problems of today can be found in our Traditions.

Boarding School Violence

We, as a Tribal organization, understand that many of the violent experiences within our homes are rooted in the traumas our people have endured due to a history of forceful and violent assimilation. Domestic violence is not traditional.

Missing & Murdered Indigenous Relatives

One of the most challenging and ongoing issues that Indigenous People face is the alarmingly high rate of missing and murdered relatives. Although there are statistics and numbers to illustrate this violence, for Indigenous communities, it is a reality that deeply affects their hearts, minds, spirits, and bodies. A recent report from the Urban Indian Health Institute identified Salt Lake City as one of the top ten cities for cases of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.

Believing Survivors

Victim Centered Action

You have a right to be believed. Whether you are reporting intimate partner violence or domestic violence, reporting an act of violence you experienced, or sharing your story or your loved one’s story, you have a right to be believed and to have your experience validated. You and your loved ones have a right to not be victim-blamed or shamed.

Victim Centered Action

Indigenous survivors of violence should be supported and given opportunities to lead. They have a unique understanding of the issue. To achieve justice, we must prioritize caring for them and their families and provide opportunities to share their stories.

It is important we examine our past and know where we were, understand how we got to be where we are today, and celebrate that the solutions to the problems of today can be found in our Traditions.