NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate ReleaseContact: Deleana OtherBull, (505) 243-9199 or [email protected]

CSVANW Recognizes 2017 Service Award Winners at 2nd Annual Sold-Out Coalition Fundraising Gala

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – October 26, 2017 – From implementing best practices in supporting behavior change in abusers to developing the first full sexual assault nurse examination unit on a reservation in the state, the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women (CSVANW) will honor eight individuals and organizations for their contributions in ending violence against Native women and children.

The Coalition will host the 2nd Annual Awards Gala and Auction on Saturday, October 28 at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center where about 150 people are expected to congratulate their colleagues and raise funding for the 21-year-old Coalition. Reaching thousands, the Coalition asked tribal communities across the region to nominate an individual or organization that has made a significant contribution in the work to end violence against Native women and children.

“We started this awards ceremony to recognize those who have worked tirelessly in the domestic violence and sexual assault field and found ways to work through the endless jurisdictional, judicial and funding challenges,” CSVANW Executive Director Deleana OtherBull said. “Our honorees exemplify the meaning of courage, strength and resilience. Often with limited resources, they are on the frontlines every single day at all hours, responding to sexual assaults, domestic violence and child abuse. They are investigating the upmost, heartbreaking cases, and providing critical support services to survivors. It is our time to celebrate them and show gratitude in hopes that it will inspire others to never give up when it comes to working towards ending violence in our communities.”

The 2017 honorees include:

• Leadership in Excellence – David Adams, a private attorney and former U.S. Assistant Attorney who served as a tribal liaison to New Mexico tribes
• Advocate of the Year – Nadine Waconda, Victim Advocate, Pueblo of Isleta
• Excellence in Public Safety – BIA/OJS- Laguna, Southern Pueblo and Mescalero Agencies Special Agents
• Emerging Leader – Pauly Denetclaw, Navajo Times reporter
• Excellence in Community Engagement – Native American Community Academy’s Healing Peers Program
• Excellence in Advocacy – Cheryl Eaton, Native American Committee Chair for New Mexico’s Intimate Partner Violent Death Review Team and Domestic Violence Advocate for Jicarilla Apache Nation Behavioral Health
• Excellence in Community Health and Wellness – Sexual Assault Services of Northwest New Mexico and the Northern Navajo Medical Center
• First Responder of the Year – Marcelino ToersBijns, BIA Special Agent and member of the Pueblo of Laguna Child Protection Team

“With their efforts, including creating the first comprehensive Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) unit on the Navajo Nation, to providing professional and thorough investigations when handling such delicate cases in our communities, it is with great pride that we honor our 2017 Coalition Champions and provide space to celebrate their achievements,” OtherBull said.

Some of the nominees, including David Adams, a former U.S. Assistant Attorney, provided passion, energy and commitment to this work, according to the New Mexico Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs. “He feverishly has shown tribal courts throughout the nation how to prepare for utilizing the new Violence Against Women Act statute, permitting the prosecution of non-Native offenders in tribal courts,” said Kim Alaburda, Executive Director. “We are delighted to have the opportunity to nominate a person we admire on many levels.”

Other nominees, including the SANE unit in Shiprock, eased the pain of Navajo survivors of sexual violence. “To be able to receive services at a familiar place, within their community, lessens the remarkable trauma that each survivor has already experienced. This is a true example of successful collaboration, perseverance and dedication,” said Eleana Butler, Sexual Assault Services of Northwest New Mexico Executive Director. “We are very happy with the collaboration we have with the Northern Navajo Medical Center for survivors in their community. We are incredibly honored to be a recipient of the awards.”

For more details about honoree achievements, click here.

The gala’s silent auction will include jewelry, Pueblo pottery, a painting by Del Curfman (Crow), among other items from notable artists like Lakota Scott (Diné), Jeremy singer (Diné), Mallery Quetawki (Zuni Pueblo) and Shyanne Brant (Mohawk).

Tickets are no longer available for the sold-out event but donations on CSVANW’s web site are being accepted.

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