FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, September 13, 2024

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New Mexico Indigenous Leaders Attended White House Event Celebrating 30 Years of the Violence Against Women Act

Albuquerque, N.M. – The Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women (CSVANW) is proud to announce that Executive Director, Tiffany Jiron, and Policy & Communications Coordinator, Ryder Jiron, represented the organization at a prestigious event at the White House on Thursday, September 12, 2024. The event marked the 30th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), a landmark piece of legislation that has played a crucial role in advancing the protection and empowerment of Native American women.

Since its enactment, VAWA has been a critical tool in the fight against gender-based violence. The 2013 and 2022 reauthorizations brought significant progress by including key tribal provisions that recognized and strengthened tribal jurisdiction, allowing tribal nations to prosecute non-Native offenders who committed crimes against Native women on tribal lands.

“Attending this event at the White House was a momentous occasion for CSVANW and for all of us dedicated to protecting Native women and girls,” said Tiffany Jiron, Executive Director of CSVANW. “VAWA has been a lifeline, but there was still much work to be done. The reauthorization of VAWA represented a significant step forward, yet we must continue to advocate for increased funding for Tribal Nations and a complete Oliphant fix. Our women are the heart of our communities, and their safety is integral to preserving our sovereignty, cultures, and languages.”

The anniversary celebration served as a crucial reminder of the progress made and the ongoing efforts needed to address and prevent violence against Native American women and their communities. CSVANW remains committed to advancing these efforts and ensuring that the voices of Native women are heard and their rights are protected.

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