FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, April 6, 2026

Contact: [email protected]

Advocates, Tribal Leaders, and Survivors Gather in Albuquerque This Week to Break Cycles of Violence

ALBUQUERQUE, NM — As communities across the country observe Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women (CSVANW) is bringing advocates, Tribal leaders, survivors, and community partners together in Albuquerque this week for a powerful gathering focused on action, healing, and prevention.

The Breaking Cycles of Violence Conference, taking place April 7–8, 2026, will convene leaders and advocates from across Tribal communities to strengthen coordinated responses to violence and uplift culturally grounded pathways toward safety and justice.

Held during Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the conference reflects the urgency of addressing violence affecting Native communities while uplifting survivor voices and community-led solutions.

This year’s SAAM theme, “Cycles Break When We Speak. No Survivor Stands Alone,” calls communities to confront silence, support survivors, and strengthen accountability.

“Sexual violence has never been our tradition,” said Tiffany Jiron (Isleta Pueblo), Executive Director of CSVANW. “Protection, accountability, and care are. This conference brings our communities together to learn from one another, strengthen our advocacy, and build the collective solutions needed to protect our relatives.”

Formerly known as the Tribal Leaders Summit, the Breaking Cycles of Violence Conference has become a cornerstone gathering for advocates working to end violence against Native women and families. The 2026 theme, “Protecting Our Future, Healing Our Past,” centers the role of storytelling, cultural resilience, and survivor leadership in transforming systems and strengthening prevention.

Over two days, participants will engage in keynote presentations, panel discussions, and interactive workshops designed to equip attendees with practical strategies and tools they can immediately apply in their communities.

Conference highlights include:

• A keynote presentation by Amanda Erickson, director of the film She Cried That Day
• A panel discussion on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women storytelling and its impact on policy and legislation in New Mexico
• Interactive workshops focused on coordinated community response and survivor-centered advocacy

Attendees will also participate in a special preview screening of She Cried That Day, offering a powerful and intimate look at the realities of violence and resilience in Native communities. The screening will create space for reflection, dialogue, and connection among advocates and community members.

Throughout April, CSVANW will continue leading Sexual Assault Awareness Month efforts through training, storytelling, and educational outreach designed to strengthen prevention and support survivors.

“Ending violence requires all of us,” Jiron added. “When communities come together to listen, learn, and act, we move closer to a future where our women, children, and families live in safety, dignity, and respect.”

Registration Information

General Admission: $200

Same-day registration will be available

To register or learn more, visit HERE.

To view the FULL AGENDA, Visit HERE.

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CSVANW is an award winning organization at the forefront to a dynamic approach to the Tribal domestic and sexual violence fields that is demonstrating the most effective, creative and innovative ways to address and prevent the cycle of violence within tribal communities.