FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 1, 2021 Contact: Curtison Badonie, [email protected] or 505-243-9199 Indigenous leaders demand more transparency, inclusion of women & youth voices in burial site case Albuquerque, N.M.— Nearly three months after the shocking and mysterious removal of a commemorative plaque at 4-H Park, honoring the lost lives of Indigenous children at Albuquerque’s old boarding school, the City of Albuquerque has finally laid out next steps to establish a burial site. The following is a statement from Jovita Belgarde, Youth Coordinator for the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women on the need for more transparency and inclusion of voices in this ongoing reconciliation process: “As Indigenous communities across the country, and internationally, recently observed ‘Orange Shirt Day–National Day for Truth & Reconciliation’, we at CSVANW deem it necessary to speak on the next steps laid out for 4-H Park. “CSVANW is relieved to hear that the City of Albuquerque is following through with some of the requests that the greater community has been asking for such as investigating the mass grave of Native children under 4H Park, conducting a study using ground penetrating radar, and creating a memorial at the park. “At the same time, we assert our desire for the City to directly consult with the families of the deceased students and how they would like to put their relatives to rest. The greater Indigenous communities in NM deserve to know who these children were and where they came from. This is an integral step in sharing truth and beginning reconciliation. “Lastly, CSVANW is asking for greater transparency on the ongoing process for the 4-H park, because the process of healing is not one-sided and it must be grounded on collective input and acknowledgment.” ### About the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women CSVANW is a member-driven tribal coalition that represents the broadest and most unified voice in advocating and collectively addressing violence against Native women and children across the region. An alliance of more than 50 passionate, distinguished and highly committed organizations and individuals, the CSVANW team of staff, Board ofDirectors and committed membership works aggressively to raise awareness about the safety of Native women and children at the state, tribal and federal levels, in addition to providing the utmost critical lifeline services to those affected by violence. CSVANW provides training, advocate support, and technical assistance for tribes and law enforcement seeking help in working with tribes. The Coalition also offers policy advocacy on behalf of tribes. For more information about the CSVANW, go to www.csvanw.org. Follow us to stay connected! ‌ ‌ ‌ Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women | 4600 B Montgomery Blvd NE, Ste 202, Albuquerque, NM 87109 Unsubscribe [email protected] Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by [email protected] powered by Try email marketing for free today!