Examining the Maze of Injustice: Our Nation's Failure to Protect Indigenous Women From Violence
Native American women are subject to much higher levels of sexual and domestic violence than any other women in the United States. Due to a confusing maze of tribal, state, local and federal laws, rapists and batters rarely face prosecution, regardless of the evidence against them. Perpetrators are aware that they can rape and brutalize, then often walk away with no consequences. This panel will explore what can be done to ensure equal protection under the law for Native American women and the role the Netroots can play in combating these injustices.
Amanda E. Flott is a Field Organizer for AIUSA's Midwest Region, covering IA, NE, KS, MO, ND, and SD. She works closely with local and student groups, helping to sustain and build current Amnesty International membership, while searching for new areas in her rural states to promote AI activism and volunteer leadership. Previously she worked at the oldest statewide peace organization in the USA, Nebraskans for Peace, as the Omaha Coordinator. Amanda brings a variety of leadership experience to her job and holds multiple BA degrees from the University of Kansas.
Tinnekkia Williams-Three Legs is a native of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Tinnekkia moved to Standing Rock Sioux Tribe Reservation in 2002. A poet, author, mother of four wonderfully energetic boys, she is a survivor of domestic violence, rape, and sexual abuse. She strives to make and ensure positive change in ending violence against women and children. Tinnekkia sits on the Board of Directors for Pretty Bird Woman House, the only on-reservation Domestic Violence Shelter for the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, and Bridges Against Domestic Violence. She is also serves as a Stop Violence Against Women Campaign Coordinator for Amnesty International.
Winona Flying Earth is Co-Chair of the Board of Directors of Bridges Against Domestic Violence (BADV), Mobridge, South Dakota,
February 2006. The BADV’s shelter serves women in the south of the Standing Rock Reservation. She also serves on the Board of Directors for Pretty Bird Woman House.
Georgia Little Shield is the Director of Pretty Bird Woman House (PBWH), a domestic violence and sexual assault shelter for women and families. PBWH is located on the Lakota Sioux Standing Rock Reservation that straddles North and South Dakota. Georgia is a survivor of domestic violence. She left a career in nursing to aid other survivors of domestic violence. She provides a front-line view of the struggles against injustice by Native American women.
