FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, March 31, 2026

Contact: [email protected]

Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women to Host 2026 Breaking Cycles of Violence Conference During Sexual Assault Awareness Month

ALBUQUERQUE, NM — This April, in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women (CSVANW) will host the Breaking Cycles of Violence Conference 2026, a two-day gathering dedicated to strengthening advocacy, prevention, and community response to violence in Tribal communities. 

The two-day conference will take place April 7–8, 2026, bringing together advocates, survivors, Tribal leaders, service providers, and community members committed to ending violence against Native women and families. 

April marks Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a time to center survivors, strengthen prevention, and call communities into collective action. CSVANW’s work is guided by a vision of Tribal communities where Native women, children, and families live in safety, dignity, and respect. 

This year’s SAAM theme, “Cycles Break When We Speak. No Survivor Stands Alone,” reflects a core truth: sexual violence has never been our tradition. Protection, accountability, and care are. When survivors are believed and communities speak out, cycles of violence begin to break. 

The Breaking Cycles of Violence Conference, formerly known as the Tribal Leaders Summit, serves as a cornerstone space for learning, collaboration, and action. Under the 2026 theme, “Protecting Our Future, Healing Our Past,” participants will center storytelling as a means of prevention and engage in conversations and strategies that center culturally grounded, survivor-centered, and community-led approaches. 

The conference will feature: 

• Keynote presentations from Amanda Erickson, the Director of “She Cried That Day” 
• A panel discussion on Missing Murdered Indigenous Women storytelling and how it can influence legislation here in New Mexico. 
• Interactive workshops focused on coordinated community response 
• Tools and strategies centered in Tribal Law and Policy, Healing and Prevention and Advocacy, to strengthen trauma-informed and survivor-centered practices 

Attendees will also experience cultural programming that uplifts Indigenous strength and creativity. A special preview screening of She Cried That Day will provide an intimate look at the realities of violence and healing in Native communities, creating space for reflection and dialogue. 

“Through education, advocacy, and community care, we are building pathways toward safety and justice,” said Tiffany Jiron (Isleta Pueblo), Executive Director of CSVANW. “This conference is an opportunity for our communities to come together, share knowledge, and strengthen the collective movement to end violence.” 

Registration Information: 

• General Admission: $200 
• Same-day registration will be available 

Throughout April, CSVANW will lead an education-centered SAAM campaign through training, storytelling, and resource sharing to increase awareness, uplift survivor voices, and reinforce that no survivor stands alone. 

Together, CSVANW and its partners continue the work to protect future generations, restore balance, and build safer, stronger Tribal communities. 

To register or learn more, visit HERE.

To view the AGENDA, Visit HERE.