Page 3 - Chehalis Tribal Newsletter - March-April 2022

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Elders celebrate

Article and photos by Frazier Myer
The Chehalis Tribal Elders Program April birthdays
whipped up a dinner April 14 for members Jean Haltom
of the group that celebrated a birthday in Daniel Gleason Sr.
March or April.
The event was held at the Community Rhonda Higgins
Center Gathering Room. Those in attendance Ronald Rogers Sr.
were asked to participate in a dessert potluck Daryl Beckwith
with cakes, cookies and other treats. Some of Dennis Gunnels
the desserts were Easter themed because they Glenn Bobb
used the gathering to celebrate the holiday as Daniel Poling
well. Tony Medina
Elders joined in the holiday spirit by
taking a photo with the Easter Bunny. Helen April Reynolds
Sanders, Daniel “Bones” Gleason, Daryl Angila Oliver
Beckwith and Lynn Hoheisel were among Lynn Hoheisel
those who captured a sweet snap with the Nadine Burnett
bunny and celebrated their birthday month. Eldon Gleason
Barnaby Canales took photographs and Randall Powell-
printed them out to provide memories from Johnson
the event.

VAMA law will help build safer tribal communities

Reauthorization offers of child violence, sexual violence, Task Force on Violence Against create an Alaska pilot project,
another tool to address sex trafficking, stalking, crimes Women in 2003, has advocated which allows a limited number
of Alaska Native Villages to
alongside survivors, Tribal Nations
against tribal law enforcement
violence against and correctional officers, and and domestic violence advocates exercise Special Tribal Criminal
Indigenous women obstruction of justice. to restore tribal jurisdiction and Jurisdiction and civil jurisdiction
over non-Indian perpetrators.
“The historic tribal provisions
protect tribal communities from
In March, the National Congress in this bill attest to years of the highest crime victimization “The Alaska pilot program and
of American Indians (NCAI) powerful, collaborative efforts rates in the country. Alaska Native Village jurisdiction
is pivotal to transforming the
between survivors, tribal leaders
“This VAWA reauthorization
celebrated President Biden signing and allies across Indian Country,” goes beyond just restoring our public safety crisis in Alaska,” said
the Violence Against Women Act said NCAI President Fawn inherent tribal jurisdiction to Chief Mike Williams of the Akiak
(VAWA) into law, codifying historic Sharp. “We commend Congress’ protect our communities, it Native Community, who also
tribal provisions that strengthen momentous action to reauthorize creates another powerful tool to serves as the NCAI Alaska Region
tribal sovereignty and safety in the Violence Against Women address the epidemic of Missing Vice-President.
Indian Country. Act, and now, by exercising Murdered Indigenous Women “This reauthorization of VAWA
The reauthorization of VAWA, our inherent sovereignty and across Indian Country,” said empowers us to take the necessary
passed as part of the Omnibus jurisdiction, Tribal Nations President Shannon Holsey, steps to build healthier and safer
Spending Package for Fiscal Year will continue to increase safety NCAI Treasurer and NCAI Task tribal communities in Alaska
2022, empowers Tribal Nations and justice for victims who had Force on Violence Against Women and across Indian Country for
to exercise restored jurisdiction to previously seen little of either.” Co-Chair. generations to come," Williams
prosecute non-Indian perpetrators NCAI, which established the VAWA’s tribal provisions also said.