The Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women (CSVANW) and the Rape Crisis Center of Central New Mexico (RCCCNM) sponsored a Red Dress Jingle Special at UNM KIVA’s 63rd Annual Nizhoni Days Powwow on April 29, 2018. Because April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) the CSVANW and the RCCCNM wanted to sponsor this Red Dress Jingle Special to bring public awareness about sexual violence in our tribal communities, Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) and bring healing to those devastated by sexual violence against indigenous people. Although we know that one month isn’t enough to solve the widespread issue of sexual violence, the attention April generates is an opportunity to energize and expand prevention efforts throughout the year.

During the Nizhoni Days powwow, we held a #SAAM campaign at our table. We asked folks if they were interested in helping us spread awareness about sexual violence within our tribal communities.

We want to extend a warm thank you to all the jingle dancers who participated in this red dress special and bringing healing to our relatives. Next, we would like to thank UNM KIVA Club for giving us the space to spread an important awareness. Also, we like to thank Sweet Nations from Native American Community Academy (NACA) for coming out and taking part in this red dress special. Finally, we would like to thank the community for taking part in this red dress jingle special and for healing with us.