Many considerations must be addressed when understanding the unique needs of victims in tribal communities. Tribal communities hold strong to their cultural beliefs, practices, and traditions, as well as having their own governing systems and legal frameworks. Once there is an openness to see past the historical trauma due to colonization, forced assimilation, and other systemic injustices, specialized approaches are created for healing and support. When addressing victim services, it is important to understand that services and resources vary among tribal communities. Certain tribes do not possess the financial means and resources to offer services to their community members adequately.

To have a comprehensive understanding of the services available in a particular community, it is critical to establish direct engagement with each specific tribal government, organization, and/or advocate. Another huge focus in providing services and meeting the needs of these tribal communities is understanding the significant role of each spoken language. Victims need to fully understand the supports and services provided to them in their native language whenever possible to ensure participation, effective communication, and access to resources. Numerous mainstream victim service organizations work together with tribal communities to offer extensive support. These collaborations entail conducting joint training, coordinating services, and reciprocal assistance in addressing the distinct needs of victims.

Pathway to Hope: an indigenous approach to healing child sexual abuse (PTH) is a program focused at ending silence and denial related to child sexual abuse and encourages multigenerational healing.  “The PTH program was designed by and for AN people with a goal of drawing from wisdom and values that have sustained Native people for generations, including spiritual beliefs and practice, shared responsibility for the wellbeing of others and resiliency in overcoming adversity while adapting to changing times. These strengths and the desire to stop the pain of abuse, while ending silence and denial about child sexual abuse have helped numerous Indigenous communities begin this part of the journey toward wellness. Through this “training of tribal community facilitators” individuals and communities have taken steps to accept the challenges associated with establishing safety for children, assuring there is support to aid child victims in healing and to hold offenders accountable. (Payne et al., 2013)”

Payne, D., Olson, K., & Parrish, J. W. (2013). Pathway to Hope: an indigenous approach to healing child sexual abuse. International Journal of Circumpolar Health, 72(1), 21067. https://doi.org/10.3402/ijch.v72i0.21067

Indigenous people have been burdened with generations of poverty because of the historical trauma caused by colonization. Consequently, there exists a profound history of violence inflicted upon their communities. The consequences of historical trauma on Indigenous individuals have broad-ranging impacts that extend to their traditions, family structure, and relationships. This has created a culture of violence that persists in many tribal communities nationally. “Up to 80% of Indigenous people have experienced violence and are two and one-half times more likely to be victims of a violent crime (Joseph, 2021). (Koch, et al., 2022)”

Tribal communities often have their legal systems and jurisdiction, which can impact how victim cases are addressed and resolved. Collaborating with tribal authorities and respecting tribal sovereignty is critical when supporting victims. “Although the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and the Tribal Law and Order Act have provided some alleviation of victimization, a crisis remains. Crimes occurring on any reservation are investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and victim advocates are dispatched to the reservation. However, crimes of an intimate nature are mainly unreported in part because of jurisdictional disputes (Fillmore & Gillespie, 2021). This trend of underreporting violent crimes is prevalent in most tribal communities (Fillmore, et al., 2021). (Koch, et al., 2022)”

Victims in tribal communities may have unique needs due to various cultural, historical, and legal considerations. It is essential to approach victims with cultural sensitivity and respect for their traditions, beliefs, and customs. Supporting victims in tribal communities also means preserving and promoting their cultural identity. Recognizing and celebrating traditions, language, and customs can foster a sense of belonging and strength for victims. It is essential to work collaboratively with tribal leaders and organizations to address the unique needs of victims in tribal communities. Taking a culturally responsive and trauma-informed approach can help ensure that victims receive the support they need while respecting their cultural heritage and community values.

Koch, T. A., Anderson, M., & Weaver, M. (2022a). Establishing victim services in an American Indian tribal community: A needs assessment. Journal of Transcultural Nursing, 33(6), 715–722. https://doi.org/10.1177/10436596221119488  

Office for Victims of Crime-Training & Technical Assistance Center

https://www.ovcttac.gov/TVA/?nm=sfa&ns=tva&nt=resources

NM Victim’s Rights Project

https://victimsrightsnm.org/victim-resources-new-mexico/

New Mexico Department of Justice

https://nmag.gov/about-us/about-the-office/criminal-affairs/victim-services/

Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women

https://www.csvanw.org/

New Mexico Legal Aid-Victim Services

https://newmexicolegalaid.org/victim-services-family-law/

NM Crime Victim Reparation Commission

https://www.cvrc.state.nm.us/

Since colonial and American expansion, Tribal and Indigenous communities across Turtle Island, the United States, have survived on the bare minimum or nothing at all. State and federal governments have failed to provide the necessary resources promised to Native Americans; as a result, “Native Americans continue to rank near the bottom of all Americans in health, education, and employment outcomes.” (Broken Promises, p. 6) For centuries, Indigenous people faced discrimination, neglect, greed, and violence while their land, languages, religion, and resources were seized and robbed. Yet, Tribal, and Indigenous communities and people prove to be resilient and continue to contribute to a country that took so much and has not given back as promised.

Understanding why one of many populations, such as Tribal and Indigenous communities and their people, rank so low and are in high socioeconomic need should raise high alert for community outreach.  Community outreach is the simple act of meeting communities where they are and connecting them to the resources and support they need to overcome barriers. One of the most critical aspects of community outreach in Tribal and Indigenous communities is building trust and relationships with its people. Becoming mindful and knowledgeable about Tribal etiquette and culture can open the doors for giving to many communities nationwide. Once rapport is built, you can collaborate and empower the Tribal and Indigenous communities in outreach efforts, from evaluating and planning to giving them a voice and a choice in decision-making. Together, these efforts and contributions will celebrate shared achievements and success.

Broken promises: (n.d.). https://www.usccr.gov/files/pubs/2018/12-20-Broken-Promises.pdf

UNM-Center for Native American Health

https://hsc.unm.edu/cnah/

Dose of Reality-about Opioids

https://www.doseofreality.com/our-campaign-resources/native-american-campaign/

Native American Professional Parent Resources, Inc.

https://www.nappr.org/

New Mexico Legal Aid-Native American Programs

https://newmexicolegalaid.org/native-american-program/

The New Mexico Department of Health hosted its second Tribal Leaders Roundtable. The meeting continued to underscore the need for tribal voices in identifying their unique health needs. The Roundtable covered topics such as violence, maternal health, vaccinations, and data needs.