Manataba Messenger

Page 4 MESSAGE FROM SECRETARY FISHER Regarding Domestic Violence, I would like to expand more on Chairwoman Flores' plea for all of us to do something for a victim in our community. All of us need to reach out more to both the victims and the oppressors that we know of in our community and encourage them to seek professional help, seek family, seek friends because I believe this domestic violence could be stopped, and it needs to stop. There are resources online to find help, hotlines, etc., to help you if you are a victim. Still, it's you that needs to decide that it's over, it's you that carries that burden every day, it's tough ---and the same for the oppressor—you know things change, life changes, and it all starts with self-awareness, and I think that as oppressors --admitting that they have a problem is the first step. These are great obstacles, but obstacles can be overcome; there is hope. Every year this event comes, and I always pray that someone in our community sees this event and it inspires them to get the help they need or change their lives. MESSAGE FROM ANISSA PATCH Good afternoon, I would like to thank everyone for coming out because this is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, but as we know, all year round, things are happening to our families to our people in our community; therefore, I always ask everyone to be that resource for those people, check in on your friends and your loved ones. I am so glad to see these young girls and ladies here today. Because we as a community need to teach these young women how much they're worth. How much we value them. How much their lives matter to us because who are they going to be? They are going to be that hope, they are going to be the future, and they will be that resource of help for other young girls their age. They will be the ones to speak up and say, "this is not a healthy relationship, this is not what love is," and that it is possible to find love where someone respects and treats you right. So, I hope that everyone remembers that and that you teach these young children that you're strong and you're their voice, teaching them about what situations that they don't need to be in. There are resources like others have said to help, like Janice here; she is a victim advocate for crimes and witnesses and in general. She's worked with all the fam- ilies of this community to help them understand what they are dealing with in their day- to-day lives. We also have BHSS (Behavioral Health and Social Services) and ASAP (Alcohol & Substance Abuse Program), who can also step up and help someone's needs, that resource for our community members. If you want to be angry, don't get mad at your partner, don't take it out on the wrong person. We are not here for that; we are only here for a short time, to love each other and make the best memories we can because that is what we take with us, and that is what our loved ones keep after were gone. So, I hope everyone stays healthy, stays safe, takes care of one another. Yes, as I said, realize that if it's not working for you as a couple, then you need to leave. You will have a better life. Thank you. MESSAGE FROM JAYMEE MOORE Kamathu everyone. Just real quick, I know it's getting hot. Domestic violence is here, and it may be common, but that doesn't make it ok. It may run in our community, but this is the point, us gathering here where we say, "this is where it runs out." So all I can tell you is to get involved. To our support staff here, the people in the trenches working with the families and the community members every day, I support you, the tribal council supports you, I know that there is funding available through the AARPA monies specifically for domestic violence. I'm sure the council and treasurer are interested in hearing those options and resources for you, so with all of that. Thank you, Asquali. MESSAGE FROM CRIT ATTORNEY GENERAL REBECCA LOUDBEAR Good afternoon everyone, I am honored to be here and to continue to be here each year. I want to thank Janice for all the work she does and all the work that she supports the vic- tims in this community. I will continue to work hard in our department to be that service to the community to make sure we address domestic violence through our victim servic- es and through our criminal justice system to ensure that the children and community stay safe. Children are safe and brought up in peaceful, loving homes. Again, thank you for your time, and I am honored to serve in this role here with CRITand be here today. Thank you. The event was attended by women and men that work as either legal aid, prosecutors in defense of victims, healers, policymakers, supporters of victims, and survivors of domes- tic violence; many wore purple on Indigenous-inspired ribbon skirts. Employees of the CRIT Prosecutor's office and CRIT BHSS at the event were acknowledged by Janice Patch, whom she said worked tirelessly with her to fight crime and help victims. MESSAGE FROM MISS COLORADO RIVER INDIAN TRIBES CASSANDRA MILLER & LITTLE MISS ZANIYAH HOWARD EVANS Thank you to the Victim Advocate Program for inviting us to this event. We need to be either a voice for someone, a person who listens, or a person they need to talk to, sometimes it's our role to give advice, but even if they don't seek official help, we have so many resources available here for them. This event should be year-round on the reservation; let your people know that you are there for them; that might be all they need. Following the event, box lunches were passed out for all those in attendance, and before the event, Janice videotaped a segment that included a Q & A for social media. I want to remind everyone to be mindful and take care if you are taking care of some- body because if you are taking care of somebody, I know it's not just domestic vio- lence. Still, other things are traumatizing our community right now. Be mindful, take care of yourself, take time out for yourselves. Check on loved ones and family; there is always a need somewhere. Thank you so much for coming out. I appreciate all of you. IF YOU ARE ANYONE YOU KNOW IS STRUGGLING WITH THIS ISSUE—NO ONE SHOULD SUFFER IN SILENCE, ENCOURAGE ALL VICTIMS TO COME FORWARD, PLEASE CALL THE CRIT VICTIM ADVOCATE PROGRAM AT (928) 669-2906.