Good afternoon Cycle Breakers!



We hope you’re all doing well. Below, you’ll find information on some upcoming CSVANW trainings and important community announcements.

Wishing you a great week ahead

It’s not too late to make an impact!



Through May 22, donations at GiveNative.org count towards the 2025 Native Nonprofit Day campaign.

Your support fuels three vital areas:

• Native Youth: Building leadership through mentorship and opportunity

• Advocates: Strengthening those on the frontlines of healing and justice

• Training & Awareness: Expanding trauma-informed, culturally rooted care

Every dollar builds a future grounded in strength, resilience, and Native-led solutions. Join us in spreading the word, sharing GiveNative.org, and using #NativeNonprofitDay, #GiveNative, and #SupportNativeLed.

A future of healing starts here, are you ready to give for change?

Every month, we take time to celebrate individuals whose heart and work shine in the movement to end violence against Native women, children, and communities. These advocates embody compassion, strength, and an unwavering commitment to their people. They lead with culture, uplift community, and walk in the values of kinship, healing, and tradition. Through their efforts in education, prevention, and support, they create lasting change and inspire others to follow their lead.

Community members, colleagues, and CSVANW staff are welcome to nominate someone who exemplifies these qualities. Nominations for our June Advocate of the Month are now open through the end of May!

The deadline to submit is by EOD Friday, May 30th.

Thank you for helping us honor these remarkable advocates and their impactful contributions.

May 2025 Advocate of the month

This May, we are honored to recognize Sharnen Velarde (Jicarilla Apache) of the Jicarilla Behavioral Health Department as our Advocate of the Month. Please join us in celebrating her!



Sharnen is an enrolled member of the Jicarilla Apache Nation in Dulce, New Mexico, and is half Navajo from Hogback, New Mexico. She holds a Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work from New Mexico Highlands University.

Violence on the Land Is Violence on the Body, Part 2 (In-Person)

📅 Date: June 24, 2025

📍 Location: Sante Fe, NM

⏰ Time: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

This training will examine the harmful impacts of extractive industries on Native lands and Native bodies, how economic exploitation manifests as sex trafficking, labor trafficking, and sexual violence, perpetuating disproportionately high rates of Missing and Murdered Native People. 

Participants will learn to identify the connections between social and economic oppression and will gain the skills necessary to respond to violence through social service work, victim advocacy, and community organizing.

In addition to exploring these systemic issues, participants will work on community-based public health solutions to improve the health and welfare of Native communities through creative, justice-driven approaches.

Secure Your Spot Today & Register Today!

Registration Cancellation Deadline: June 10, 2025.

We hope you will join us in this crucial discussion and training. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Thank you for your commitment to justice and healing. Together, we can break cycles of harm and uplift Native communities.

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This training is made possible through the support of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.

Join Our Community Planning Committee!

[CSVANW MEMBERS ONLY]

Help Us Uplift LGBTQ2S+ Youth at the 2025 Southwest Butterflies Retreat 

Are you passionate about creating safe, empowering spaces for LGBTQ2S+ youth? We’re looking for community members to join the Southwest Butterflies Retreat (SWBR) Planning Committee to help design meaningful opportunities and experiences for this year’s retreat. 

About SWBR: 

The Southwest Butterflies Retreat centers on community education, prevention, and awareness around domestic violence and sexual assault. It provides youth with tools for healing, empowerment, and well-being in an environment where they can feel seen, supported, and celebrated. 

Our Vision: 

We want every young person who attends to leave reenergized, with a deeper sense of identity, strength, and community. 

How You Can Help: 

Be part of a creative, intentional team committed to centering youth voices. Whether you bring lived experience, cultural knowledge, workshop ideas, or simply a passion for advocacy and community care, your perspective is needed. 

📆 When Do We Meet? 

Virtually, every Tuesday, starting May 27th at 5:30pm-6:30pm

Ready to help shape something powerful? 

Join us in building a transformative experience for LGBTQ2S+ youth. 

For more info or to get involved, please reach out to our

CSVANW Youth & Family Engagement Coordinator

At [email protected] or (505) 243-9199

[CSVANW MEMBERS ONLY]

ATTENTION TRIBAL LEADERS 

The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) is hosting a Tribal Consultation on May 27, 2025, from 10:00 AM - 3:30 PM at the Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute (SIPI). 

DOI’s goal: Streamline operations while ensuring high-quality services for Tribes. 

Indian Affairs (BIA, BIE, BTFA, Office of the Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs) invites federally recognized Tribes to provide direct input on critical needs as they plan operational improvements. 

• Attend in-person or virtually! 
• Register for the Zoom meeting (BELOW)

Make sure your voice is heard. Your voice is critical. Help shape the future of services for Tribal communities! 

For more information, please contact us at:

(505) 243 - 9199 | [email protected]