Speaking Our Truth - Podcast For Change: Recent Episodes
NIWRC
Safety and justice require action. As a movement, we can use our collective voices to engage and influence change. Speaking Our Truth is a podcast aimed at building joint action. An original podcast by the National Women's Resource Center (niwrc.org).
Content FYI–
This podcast episode includes personal stories of domestic violence, violence, racism, and human trafficking. We encourage listeners to mentally prepare beforehand and reflect afterward to help process this information.
Nani Fay Paglinawan, Aunty as we call her, is a kupuna (elder), a founding member of Women Helping Women, and serves on the Board of Directors for the Pouhana O Nā Wāhine and has been a long-time advocate in the domestic violence movement for over 40 years. Aunty, a recipient of the Women Helping Women Lifetime Achievement award, was honored on April 3 at the unveiling of a mural in her honor, designed by artist Oscar Lett. There’s a talk story and animation that explains the background of the mural. If you want to learn more, we encourage you to visit the Maui Public Art Corps at mouipublicart.org. Aunty participates in the Family Advisory Group for MMIW with NIWRC.
More Info
Mural Artist: Oscar Lett
Mural Info: MauiPublicArt.org
Song: “Ku'u Pua Paoakalani” by Queen Liliʻuokalani
Artist: Allison Leialoha Milham - SoundCloud, Etsy, and Bandcamp.
About the Music
Queen Liliʻuokalani composed this song while she was held prisoner in her home. The song honors her garden, which she looked out upon daily. A boy would come by with a bundle of flowers wrapped in the day’s newspaper so that the Queen could hear from her people. Even then, the Queen understood the power of language and communication to keep her culture alive.
This recording is by Allison Leialoha Milham, who generously donated the rights to use this beautiful tune. Please visit her website to view her art, work, and other musical recordings.
Mahalo, Allison, Oscar, and Aunty!
Listen to the whole song at the end of the episode!
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This resource is made possible by grant 90-EV-0533-03 from the Administration on Children, Youth and Families, Family and Youth Services Bureau, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official views of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Happy Earth Day! Listen as we talk about “Oppenheimer”, “Killers of the Flower Moon”, and the devastating connection between violence against the land and Native and Indigenous Women. Tia shares examples of the negative effects of extractive industries on Native communities and what people can do to help.
The National Indigenous Women's Resource Center (NIWRC) recognizes that the land and Indigenous women are sacred and connected and must be protected. In this episode of "Speaking Our Truth," NIWRC's Policy Specialist Tia Bahozhoni highlights this sacred relationship by discussing how exploitation and contamination of the land continue to harm Indigenous women and communities.
Join us this Earth Day as we honor and celebrate Mother Earth.
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Resources
Osage Reign of Terror https://www.vox.com/culture/23920002/killers-flower-moon-true-story-osage-murders-reign-of-terror-mollie-burkhart-what-happened
Lithium Mining in Nevada https://www.firstnations.org/stories/one-native-groups-fight-to-protect-sacred-land-from-destructive-lithium-mining/&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1713456054765671&usg=AOvVaw2XAg4P3L_uYIz83SzJa87E
The Gold King Mine Spill https://coloradosun.com/2020/08/05/gold-king-mine-spill-five-years-later/&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1713456054767608&usg=AOvVaw0eJwLZ33OaqFrvsWc9X8Il
Man Camps https://www.colorado.edu/program/fpw/2019/03/14/new-report-finds-increase-violence-coincides-oil-boom&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1713456054768511&usg=AOvVaw2OV-GMuACccqjfnltB5-xN
History of Man Camps https://www.startribune.com/native-women-easy-prey-for-traffickers/218171361/&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1713456054769279&usg=AOvVaw30QDkpYhlnQMD_55L9Vlel
“Garden of Truth” (MIWSAC) https://miwsacstg-media.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/01101738/Garden-of-Truth-Report.pdf
“Shattered Hearts” (MIWSAC) https://www.miwrc.org/publications/shattered-hearts
History of Uranium Mining https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3222290/
Indigenous Stewardship https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31863549/
Indigenous Land and Data Stewards Lab https://www.indigenouslandstewards.org/
Tewa Women United - News Article on Oppenheimer https://tewawomenunited.org/2023/07/oppenheimer-and-the-other-side-of-the-story
Coalition to End Violence Against Native Women - resource on Land and Body Violence https://www.csvanw.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Land-and-Body-Violence.pdf
Violence on Indigenous Lands is Violence on Indigenous Bodies and Futures https://www.niwrc.org/resources/webinars/violence-indigenous-lands-violence-indigenous-bodies-and-futures
Indigenous Leadership to End Violence Panel - Part 2: Indigenous Reproductive and Maternal Justice Work Strengthens Advocacy to End Gender-Based Violence https://www.niwrc.org/resources/webinars/indigenous-leadership-end-violence-panel-part-2-indigenous-reproductive-and
Six Point Action Plan https://www.niwrc.org/sites/default/files/6-Point%20Plan%2002-17%20PNG.png
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This resource is made possible by grant 90-EV-0533-03, from the Administration on Children, Youth and Families, Family and Youth Services Bureau, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official views of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Kaysera Stops Pretty Places went missing in 2019 at 18 years old. Five days later, her body was found near a busy thoroughfare. Fourteen days later, her family was notified. No investigation occurred. In this episode, we focus on Kaysera’s family. They have been organizing events for the past 4 years to bring awareness and ask for help in solving her case. This is a unique situation. It’s about what happens when you can’t rely on law enforcement.
JusticeForKaysera
www.justiceforkaysera.org
https://www.niwrc.org/not-invisible-act-commission-recommendations
Music: Theme song from NIWRC.
Pow wow drums recorded by NIWRC at Women Are Sacred, June 2023.
Patsy Whitefoot: Discussing barriers that families can face when a loved one goes missing or is murdered.
Music:
Moon Song · Phoebe Bridgers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXqZ66XK3z8
Patsy Whitefoot: Speaking to of her work in the MMIW movement and the loss of her sister Daisy Mae Heath- and eventual recent recovery of her sister Daisy Mae Heath’s remains.
Music:
The Moon Song · beabadoobee · Oscar Lang
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCx1eSdkyr0
Dr. Grace Bulltail: Speaking of her work in the MMIW movement and bringing continued awareness to the unsolved murder of her niece Kaysera Stops Pretty Places.
Music:
Moon Song · Phoebe Bridgers
Punisher
℗ 2020 Dead Oceans
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXqZ66XK3z8
Leanne, Charles and Velina Guy: Speaking about their work in the MMIW movement and the importance of healing.
Music:
Ceilings · Lizzy McAlpine
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bpMSpFTdzM
My Mother and I · Lucy Dacus
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Q_weNUt4m8
On this episode of Speaking Our Truth, we listen Part 2 of STTARS' presentation introducing the new Indigenous Safe Housing Center from NIWRC's Specialty Institute held in June 2022.
On this episode of Speaking Our Truth, we listen Part 1 of STTARS' presentation introducing the new Indigenous Safe Housing Center from NIWRC's Specialty Institute held in June 2022.
On January 18, 2022, the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center filed an amicus brief in the United States Supreme Court in United States v. Merle Denezpi. On this episode of Speaking Our Truth, Podcast for Change, we will dig deeper into this case and what this amicus brief is all about
The state of Alaska is considered one of the most violent states in the country. The state also has the highest number of missing Indigenous people, according to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System. Grassroots advocates from American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes calling for justice for missing and murdered Indigenous women have finally started gaining national attention. In fact, after years of grassroots advocacy, in October 2020, Congress passed Savanna’s Act. This Act is meant to improve the response to missing and murdered Indigenous women across federal, state, Tribal and local law enforcement agencies. On this episode of Speaking Our Truth, Podcast for Change, we will talk about the current status of Savanna’s Act and what this legislation means for our Alaska Native sisters.
In November, the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center will reflect on its first 10 years of the movement for the safety of Native women. As a special podcast series, we are talking with members of NIWRC’s board of directors about the highlights and accomplishments made over the past decade. On this special episode of Speaking Our Truth, we will talk with NIWRC’s Board Treasurer about what it means to carry our medicine in this work, past, present and future.
Music: "I Am Light" | Album: Songversation (2013) | Artist: India.Arie Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OL-gxfx2QtY
In November, the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center will reflect on its first 10 years of the movement for the safety of Native women. As a special podcast series, we are talking with members of NIWRC’s board of directors about the highlights and accomplishments made over the past decade. On this special episode of Speaking Our Truth, we will talk with NIWRC’s Board Chairwoman about what it means to carry our medicine in this work, past, present and future.
Music: "Calling The Spirit Back" | Album: I Pray for My Enemies (2021) | Artist: Joy Harjo Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKJzNymGOIQ
This year, 2021, marks a decade of advocacy by the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center. This is an important milestone as NIWRC reflects back on its first 10 years and looks forward to the next ten. As a special podcast series of Speaking Our Truth, we are speaking with members of our board of directors about the past decade of this work. In this episode, we are talking with NIWRC’s Board Secretary about carrying our medicine forward in the movement for safety for Native women and strengthening sovereignty for Tribal Nations.
Music: "Calling The Spirit Back" | Album: I Pray for My Enemies (2021) | Artist: Joy Harjo Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKJzNymGOIQ
Over the past four years, StrongHearts Native Helpline has responded to more than 11,000 calls, texts and chat requests from Native peoples in need. As the first, culturally grounded domestic violence, dating violence and sexual violence helpline by and for Native people, it has rapidly grown, establishing itself as a strong, vocal advocate in the movement for safety in tribal communities. Today on Speaking Our Truth, we will talk about the road to StrongHearts Native Helpline becoming an independent organization.
Music: "Si Hasapa" | Album: Ksa (2007) | Artist: Tiokasin Ghosthorse
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, but the crisis of sexual violence against Native women is ongoing, remaining one of the lasting effects of the colonization of Indigenous peoples. On this episode of Speaking our Truth, Podcast for Change, we will talk about the high rates of sexual violence against our Alaska Native sisters in particular, as well as the action needed to turn the tide of sexual assault in Alaska.
From the beginning of the pandemic, advocates sounded the alarm about the risk of increasing domestic violence and sexual violence. Those who were hurting were now confined to their homes with their abusers for longer periods of time. Fueled by these realities, our relatives at StrongHearts Native Helpline have been working around the clock to increase staffing and add services to assist Native people during this crisis.
Native American Heritage Month is an important time for recognizing the rights and sovereignty of Indigenous people and Native Nations. On this episode of Speaking Our Truth, Podcast for Change, we will talk to some prominent voices in the work for Indigenous peoples rights and the challenges facing our people today, tomorrow, and for the next generation.
Music: Robert Mirabal's "The Dance" performed with Rare Tribal Mob on PBS (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_znb0MlHTY) Song: The Dance Artist: Robert Mirabal Album: Music From A Painted Cave Licensed to YouTube by: A Train Entertainment (Masters) (on behalf of Silver Wave Records); ARESA, LatinAutorPerf, SOLAR Music Rights Management, CMRRA, BMI - Broadcast Music Inc., BMG Rights Management (US), LLC, ASCAP, Sony ATV Publishing, and 6 Music Rights Societies
VAWA Sovereignty Initiative Update: SCOTUS Victory: Affirmation of the Muskogee (Creek) Nation’s Reservation (McGirt v. Oklahoma)
As an organization dedicated to ending violence against Native women, the NIWRC continues to support the removal and renaming of statues, monuments, and imagery that glorify colonization, genocide, and conquest.
Violence against Native women was normalized by acts of war against Indian Nations and federal programs to assimilate Indigenous peoples.
The forcibly removal of Indian children from their homes to federal institutions referred to as “boarding schools,” the prosecution and incarceration of Native women for refusing to marry according to state laws, and the forced sterilization of Native women funded under federal programs are just a few examples of the government infrastructure supporting cultural genocide.
These federal programs and the Code of Indian Offenses reflected a dehumanization of Native women by the American public—its cultural icons such as Christopher Columbus.
While cultural symbols honoring historical figures, who committed genocide through the power of the US government are coming down across the nation, other symbols continue to stand.
Today we are joined by Rose Quilt to discuss this public reckoning with the truth of United States history.
Violence against women is not traditional. Indigenous cultures hold women as sacred – yet today, Native women are the most victimized group within the US. For years, Native women have opened their hearts and doors to other women and their children in need to protect them from violence. On this episode of Speaking Our Truth, we will talk about the sacredness of women and how we can reclaim the integrity and rights of women in our lives, work and communities.
Music: Ta'Kaiya Blaney singing Womens Warrior song May 5, 2019 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WeNJnItj5rs) at Opening ceremony for The North American Dialogue on Biocultural Diversity, Redpath Museum (McGill University Campus)
In Indian country, there has long been a housing crisis due to the lasting effects of colonization. This issue continues today, as there is a great need for safe, affordable housing for American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian victims of violence. On this episode of Speaking Our Truth, we will talk with the author of a report created by a working group focused on this specific issue, what the findings are, and where we go from here.
Music: "Blackbird by The Beatles sung in Mi'kmaq" | Artist: Emma Stevens (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99-LoEkAA3w) Songwriter: Paul McCartney Translation: Katani Julian and Albert "Golydada"Julian
Native women face some of the highest rates of domestic violence in the nation. Each October, advocates from tribal programs and shelters and Native organizations across the country come together to raise awareness of domestic violence during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. On this episode of Speaking Our Truth, we will talk about the origins of Domestic Violence Awareness Month and how everyone can join in the efforts to support victims and survivors of violence throughout the year.
Music: "Come And Get Your Love" | Album: off of "Wovoka" by Redbone (1973) | Artist: Redbone (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BA4rSO-h9Io) | (https://redbone-music.lnk.to/subscribeYD)
In this podcast, Unci Tillie shares her inspirational story of grassroots organizing in the late 70s to form the South Dakota Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV).
Unci Tillie Black Bear‘s interview highlights the vital role and relationship of Native women to the national organizing efforts to establish DVAM.
StrongHearts Native Helpline expansion of services and staff.
Music: "Si Hasapa" | Album: Ksa (2007) | Artist: Tiokasin Ghosthorse
Supreme Court VAWA Sovereignty Initiative Update: McGirt v. Oklahoma and the Standing Rock Sioux NIWRC amicus briefs.
Music: "Why" | Album: ILLUMINATIVES (2018) | Artist: Supaman (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OiVU-W9VT7Q)
Blood and Land Memory: Land Acknowledgment and Honoring Indigenous Peoples.
Music: "Song For The Morning Star" | Album: Dawn's Mirage (2015) | Artist: R. Carlos Nakai (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHdOSMpZ1_w) | http://www.canyonrecords.com/shop/index.php?app=ecom&ns=prodshow&ref=CR-7210)
Legislative Update, June 2020.
Music: "The Virus Ft. Saul Williams, Chippewa Travellers" | Album: We Are The Halluci Nation (2016) | Artist: A Tribe Called Red (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_5VAKdHMek) | (http://smarturl.it/ATCRHalluciNation)
A look into the early life of Tillie Black Bear.
Music: "Honoring Song for Tillie" | Artist: Lester Thomas "Derrick" Kills The Enemy (April 9, 1957 - December 10, 2019)
Violence against Native Hawai'ian women and the need for Native Hawai'ian Resource Center on Domestic Violence
Music: "Hawaiʻi ʻ78" | Song Across Hawaiʻi | Playing for Change Collaboration (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVuvKIFa6kc)
Issues of Violence Against Native Women with Jordan Marie Daniels.
Music: "Stadium Pow Wow" | Album: We Are The Halluci Nation (2016) | Artist: A Tribe Called Red (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAEmjW9J3_o) | (http://smarturl.it/ATCRHalluciNation)