June 2025 Newsletter

Happy Pride Month

Pride is more than celebration. It is belonging, healing, and the courage to take up space in a world that hasn’t always made room for our LGBTQ2S+ relatives. Every June, as communities across the country honor Pride, CSVANW joins in solidarity, not just in celebration, but in advocacy, accountability, and action.

For our LGBTQ2S+ relatives, violence is not just interpersonal, it is systemic. Many survivors face discrimination, invisibility, and re-traumatization when seeking support. When systems fail to see them, they are forced to navigate spaces never meant to hold them. While protections like the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) are meant to prevent harm, lived experience tells us that safety and dignity require more than policy they require care, kinship, and a collective commitment to breaking cycles of violence.

CSVANW continues to uplift the voices, stories, and strength of LGBTQ2S+ survivors. Because ending violence means recognizing all of who we are, and healing means making space for all our relatives to be safe, seen, and loved. Through culturally grounded storytelling, education, and community-rooted celebration, we affirm that LGBTQ2S+ relatives have always belonged because belonging is not conditional. It is sacred

Our vision is one of kinship, inclusiveness, and healing. We work toward violence-free communities where Native LGBTQ2S+ relatives don’t just survive but thrive. Where no one has to fight for visibility, safety, or dignity.

Pride at CSVANW is more than a month it is a movement, a practice of care, and a promise to keep showing up for one another. Join us in uplifting survivor voices, advocating for justice, and celebrating LGBTQ2S+ lives.

Now more than ever, we must show up for our Native LGBTQ2S+ relatives!

#LoveYourRelative#Pride2025#CycleBreaker

Violence on the Land is Violence on the Body - Part 2

June 24, 2025

Sante Fe, NM

This in-person training in Santa Fe, NM will evaluate the impacts of extractive industries on Native lands and Native bodies, as economic exploitation shows up directly in the exploitation of bodies through sex trafficking, labor trafficking, and sexual violence, all of which contribute to the disproportionately high rates of Missing and Murdered Native People.

Participants will learn to formulate connections between forms of social and economic oppression that create the conditions for violence within Native communities and will develop the skills necessary to respond to violence through social service work, victim advocacy, and community organizing. In furthering the development of these skills, participants will also learn how to creatively work on community-based public health solutions to improve the general health and welfare of Native communities.

Focus Group Meeting

June 5, 2025

Gallup, NM

The Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women and the New Mexico Coalition Against Domestic Violence are co-facilitating a survivor focus group in Gallup, NM on June 5, 2025.

This anonymous focus group is for survivors of intimate partner violence who have navigated the law enforcement and/or court systems in McKinley County within the past five years. Your experiences and insights are invaluable in our efforts to strengthen survivor safety and increase offender accountability through a Community Coordinated Response.

Event Details:

🗓Date: June 5, 2025

📍Location: Gallup, NM (Exact location will be shared upon registration)

🍽Food & child care provided

If you have experienced intimate partner violence and would like to share your perspective in a safe, judgment-free space, we welcome you to join us. Your voice matters, and your participation can help shape meaningful change.

This focus group will be completely anonymous and held in a confidential location.

Thank you for your courage and willingness to share your story. Together, we can create lasting change.

Secure Your Spot Today & Register Today!

Community Advocacy Meeting

June 17, 2025

Virtual

CSVANW will be holding our Community Advocacy Meetings where we will grow relationships with our Tribal Advocates in sharing resources, learning from presentations that aid in the work we do in community, and sharing updates on policies and events.

Tribal Advocates are those who are committed to community advocacy in alignment with CSVANW’s values of kinship, healing, and inclusiveness. The impact these meetings have for Tribal communities enhance service delivery from Tribal Advocate Attendees. The relationships created between tribes and CSVANW bridge the gaps of event support, information sharing, opportunities for PPE support, and training.

Advocates will have a safe virtual space to communicate barriers and find support from each other and CSVANW, without sharing confidential survivor-identifying information.

Please come in the spirit of inclusiveness, respect, and shared safety.

13th Annual Native Youth Summit, July 11th and 12th

Save the Date.

The Native Youth Summit (NYS) is a two-day event that offers powerful leadership development opportunities for Native youth ages 13–17.

NYS is dedicated to investing in and empowering our youth as the leaders of tomorrow. It serves as a unique opportunity for the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women to uplift and support the next generation of tribal leaders in New Mexico, as we work together to end violence against Native women and children.

The summit also creates a space to address the real-life issues our youth face today, including domestic violence in the home, cyberbullying, teen dating violence, online safety, and bystander intervention.

Southwest Butterflies Retreat, August 1st and 2nd

Save the Date.

The Southwest Butterflies Retreat (SWBR) is a two-day gathering created for Native young people ages 16–24 who identify as LGBTQ2S+.

This retreat centers the voices and experiences of our LGBTQ2S+ relatives while fostering a space rooted in culture, healing, and connection. SWBR focuses on community education, prevention, and awareness of domestic violence and sexual assault, while also providing participants with tools to support their well-being and empowerment.

Our intention is for every young person who attends to feel seen, supported, and reenergized- leaving with a deeper sense of community and strength in their identity.

May 2025 - CSVANW and Three Sisters Collective came together in the heart of O’ga P’ogeh for a powerful MMIP Day of Remembrance and Action at the Santa Fe Plaza.

The day began with a prayer walk to honor our missing and murdered relatives, shared truth through powerful words from impacted family members, speakers, and closed with a healing round dance. Together, we carry their stories forward. Together, we continue the work to protect our relatives.

#MMIP#MMIWG2S#HonorThem#CSVANW#ThreeSistersCollective

May 2025 - CSVANW had the honor of joining a powerful panel discussion following the screening of She Cried That Day. The conversation centered on the ongoing crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives (MMIWR), diving deep into the policies, community efforts, and culturally grounded solutions needed to bring change. We’re grateful to be part of this vital dialogue and movement.

#MMIWR#SheCriedThatDay#CSVANW#IndigenousJustice#SantaFe

May 2025 - CSVANW joined the 2025 Shiprock Marathon to uplift the message: No More Stolen Relatives. Our team hosted a tabling space to raise awareness about Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) and the urgent need to end violence in our tribal communities.

CSVANW staff stood in solidarity with survivors, families, and all those affected by the MMIW crisis. These powerful symbols opened space for meaningful conversations and moments of reflection, visibility, and healing. Throughout the day, community members, runners, and allies visited the table to learn, connect, and show support.

Many shared stories, offered prayers, or stood silently with hands over their hearts. Every interaction was a reminder that healing begins when community comes together with purpose.

Thank you to @navajoyes and the Shiprock Marathon organizers for making space for advocacy, awareness, and Indigenous voices. Events like this show the power of movement — physically, emotionally, and spiritually — in the path toward justice. No More Stolen Relatives.

#MMIW#NoMoreStolenRelatives#CSVANW#CommunityHealing

May 2025 - CSVANW tabled at the RED DRESS DAY Health Fair and Candlelight Vigil. The Red Dress Day was held at the NM Highlands Branch Campus in Rio Rancho, NM. CSVANW was in presence with vendors, health organizations, Highlands University Staff, and families of MMIW.

The evening started with speeches from impacted individuals and community leaders. CSVANW's own Tiffany Jiron talked about the epidemic of MMIP in our Tribal communities and how important it is to bring awareness and justice for all our lost and stolen relatives.

CSVANW handed out briefs, PPE, and CSVANW swag to people that stopped by to visit the booth. CSVANW engaged in great discussion on topics related to MMIP and MMIW. The candlelight vigil was held in honor of our lost and stolen relatives, CSVANW participated in the vigil and took time to pray and honor our loved ones.

#NoMoreStolenRelatives#MMIW#MMIP#CSVANW

May 2025 - CSVANW joined the Pueblo of Jemez for their MMIP Honor Event: Honoring Our Loved Ones and Building Compassion in Our Community.

The evening began with a prayer/honor walk through the community, accompanied by steady rainfall and concluded with a prayer song. Space was provided to families of MMIP, as they shared fond memories, advocated for their loved ones, and expressed words of gratitude and compassion to the community presence.

CSVANW provided policy briefings, PPE, and MMIP-themed swag to community members. CSVANW engaged in thoughtful conversations about the MMIP movement within the state and the recent signing of SB 41: Turquoise Alert System. We express our gratitude to the Pueblo for providing space to attend this impactful event.

#NoMoreStolenRelatives#MMIW#MMIP#CSVANW

May 2025 - CSVANW had the opportunity to visit youth at B’eeh K’oo-ee Wellness Center in Isleta Pueblo to have a conversation about healthy relationships with their youth.

Four key elements that make up a healthy relationship include: communication, respect, trust and boundaries. These topics each led to great discussions and what each of these elements can look like. They also created a “My Healthy Relationships Pledge” where youth wrote down 3 commitments they will do to build and maintain healthy relationships with friends, family, or classmates.

Thank you to B’eeh K’oo-ee Wellness Center for inviting us out and allowing us to share this important information to our youth. Let’s continue to empower our Native youth with the resources and support necessary to cultivate strong, healthy relationships—recognizing that, together, we are laying the foundation for healthy families and healthy communities.

#HealthyRelationships#NativeYouth#HealthyCommunities

May 2025 - Coalition to Stop Violence held its second quarter Membership Meeting. This was a virtual meeting allowing for CSVANW Members from different parts of New Mexico to attend.

The agenda consisted of two guest speakers Nani Daniels with Safe Stays and David Chewiwie with Amber in Indian Country. Nani Daniels presented on Safe Stays, the platform allows for direct service providers to discreetly reserve hotel/motel rooms allowing for victims of abuse to feel protected and most of all safe. David Chewiwie presented on Amber Alert in Indian Country, mentioning the website which provides integrated, ‘one-stop’ access to training, technical assistance and child protection resources for Tribal law enforcement, public safety professionals and others in the community working with issues surrounding endangered, missing and abducted children, and mentioning how Amber Alert In Indian Country works to protect our relatives.

The CSVANW staff provided CSVANW Membership with updates from the first quarter of the year January - March and provided upcoming initiatives and events. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, CSVANW's Alex Kinsella provided some breathing exercises and healthy tips to keep you grounded. Please keep a look out for our next CAM meeting to learn more about Community Advocacy. CSVANW will be sending out save the date for our quarter three membership meeting.

#CSVANWMembership#SafeStays#AmberInIndianCountry

May 2025 - CSVANW hosted a virtual training entitled "Violence on the Land is Violence on the Body," with the intent to build understanding of how extractive industries on Native land is directly linked with unacceptably high levels of violence against Native women and relatives in the areas affected.

Participants got a chance to explore the impacts of environmental exploitation on Native communities, and what victim advocates can do to support social service response efforts to issues of violence and extraction. Participants got a chance to hear from a diverse selection of speakers, including Missing and Murdered Diné Relatives Coalition project manager Zunneh-bah Jim, who provided a detailed presentation on the impact of mining industries on the Navajo Nation and its relation to the MMIP crisis, and Dr. Christina Castro, who provided a thoughtful and in depth presentation on Indigenous "Rematriation" in response to environmental and bodily violence from colonial systems of power.

CSVANW staff members Pat Gallegos, Deiandra Reid, and Dr. Melissa Riley also provided presentations on Trafficking, MMIP, Environmental Violence on Native land, and victim advocacy for survivors. Thank you to all our presenters and participants for making this a fun, engaged, and educational training.

#LandAndBodyViolence#JusticeFroSurvivors#NoStolenRelatives

May 2025 - CSVANW joined IAD for MMIP Awareness Day at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. This day is dedicated to honoring the lives of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People, uplifting their families, and strengthening the communities forever impacted by this crisis. The gathering featured remarks from State and Tribal leaders, highlights from local organizations, and the event ended with two wellness workshops centered on the mind-body connection.

Community, advocates, leaders and families joined together for the honor walk around the cultural center to raise our voices and bring awareness to the MMIWR movement. Together, we held space for healing, unity, and collective strength.

Thank you to our community, advocates and leaders for showing up in support, thank you to IAD for leading this gathering, and thank you to IPCC for allowing us to come together in this space.

#MMIP #JusticeForOurRelatives #CSVANW #IndigenousResilience

May 2025 - CSVANW staff attended the Luminarias Conference at Isleta Resort. CSVANW provided a presentation to participants on how expanding Tribal sovereignty is essential for supporting survivors of trafficking.

Participants engaged in lively discussion on how to best protect Native American survivors of violence through improved legal codes, improved jurisdictional power from Tribes and improved social services on Tribal lands. Many also expressed concerns over the breadth and power of extractive industries and environmental violence directly connected to violence against Native people.

After the presentation, CSVANW had the opportunity to speak directly with participants and made connections with folks from sister organizations such as Tewa Women United, and from Tribal organizations such as the Navajo Nation's prosecutor's office. CSVANW would like to warmly thank NMCSAP for inviting us to present, and to all our wonderful community members and participants who joined us for the training.

#SupportSurvivorsOfTrafficking#LandAndBodyViolence

May 2025 - CSVANW had the privilege of attending the National Conference on Crimes Against Women (CCAW), where crucial discussions took place on a wide range of topics, including best practices for law enforcement, legal frameworks, and critical interventions in combating violence against women.

The conference provided valuable insights into the latest trends in policy, response strategies, and victim advocacy, offering law enforcement officials, service providers, and policymakers essential tools for enhancing their work in addressing crimes against women.

CSVANW is deeply committed to supporting the safety and well-being of women and families in our communities, and we were inspired by the conversations and innovations shared at this event. We look forward to continuing our involvement in this vital conference in the future, where we can collaborate further on solutions, expand our knowledge, and strengthen our collective efforts to end violence against women.

#CSVANW#NationalConferenceOnCrimesAgainstWomen#Advocacy

May 2025 - CSVANW hosted our annual Advocate Retreat, centering the themes of land, community, and self as we explored meaningful forms of self-care.

Advocates are the heart of our Tribal communities, doing some of the most challenging and emotional work. This retreat was our way of giving back, creating space for rest, reflection, and reconnection. Throughout the day, participants made seed balls to plant in their own yards, grounding themselves in the healing power of land stewardship. We also engaged in deep conversations about our historical ties to the land and the lasting emotional impact those connections carry for Native people.

The retreat concluded with a calming yoga session, encouraging self-care in both body and spirit. We are grateful to everyone who joined us and look forward to welcoming advocates again next year for another powerful day of restoration and community.

#Selfcare#MentalHealthAwarenessMonth#BodyAndSpirit

Nominate an Advocate for CSVANW's July's 2025 Advocate of the Month!

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.

Nominate July Advocate of the Month

Advocate of the Month for May 2025

We recognized Sharnen Velarde (Jicarilla Apache) of the Jicarilla Behavioral Health Department as our Advocate of the Month for May 2025

Learn more about our May 2025 Adovacte of the Month

At CSVANW, every contribution matters. Whether you’re an individual supporter or an organizational partner, your generosity is the heart of what keeps us going.

When you give, you’re not just donating, you’re actively helping to break cycles of violence and standing as a cycle breaker. Your support fuels our mission to advocate for Native women and children, creating powerful change and paving the way for healthier, safer communities for generations to come.

Give 4 Cycle Breaking

A big thank you to our amazing May 2025 donors! Your generosity drives CSVANW's efforts to advocate for healthy families and build strong, thriving communities. We couldn’t do this meaningful work without you!