StrongHearts Native Helpline now includes text advocacy Introducing the
EAGAN, Minn. – StrongHearts Native options so victim-survivors can decide what and Alaska Native people, the study found
Helpline (1-844-7NATIVE) has expanded is a safe and appropriate option for them.
that about half of women and nearly one Think Indian Book
“We are eager to expand our services in five men stated they needed victim
operations and now offers text advocacy as
the expanded service launched in April. to reach every Native victim-survivor who services. With few options and supportive Club blog
Text advocacy can be reached by using
StrongHearts Native Helpline’s number
– 1-844-762-8483.
StrongHearts Native Helpline is a cul-
turally appropriate, anonymous, confiden-
tial and free service dedicated to serving
Native victim-survivors, concerned family
members and friends affected by domestic,
dating and sexual violence. StrongHearts
Native Helpline is a project of the National
Indigenous Women’s Resource Center and
the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
Like online chat advocacy, text advocacy
increases accessibility for individuals who
may be hearing impaired and those who
may be uncomfortable or unable to vocal-
ize a call for support. As the pandemic
continues and victim-survivors in abusive
relationships are forced to shelter-in-place
with their abusive partners; it becomes even
more vital to offer multiple communication
needs it,” said StrongHearts Director Lori
Jump (Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa
Indians). “StrongHearts will continue
our work until all of our relatives have
the resources they need and are safe from
violence.”
According to the National Institute of
Justice and the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention’s 2010 National Intimate
Partner and Sexual Partner Survey, Ameri-
can Indians and Alaska Natives experience
some of the highest rates of domestic
and sexual violence in the United States.
The study found that more than four in
five American Indian and Alaska Native
women had experienced violence in their
lifetime, and one in three had experienced
violence within the past year.
The study also examined how this
violence affects Tribal communities and
Native survivors. For American Indian
resources, American Indian victims of
abuse often go without assistance.
To address these inequities and better
serve American Indians and Alaska Natives,
StrongHearts has been rapidly expanding. In
2020, it launched online chat advocacy and
sexual violence advocacy. In 2021, Strong-
Hearts increased advocacy services to seven
days a week, 24 hours a day.
As American Indian and Alaska Native
communities continue to navigate the iso-
lating effects of COVID-19, 24/7 expanded
operations and text advocacy will allow
those experiencing domestic and sexual
violence to connect with a highly trained
advocate whenever they need free, anony-
mous and confidential support.
StrongHearts Native Helpline is avail-
able by calling or texting 1-844-762-8483
or clicking on the chat icon on Strong-
heartshelpline.org.
2021-2022 Hunting and Fishing Tags Distribution Schedule
Number
Available
Type of Tag
Season
Dates
Date to Start Tag Issuance
8/27
8/27
Method of
Issuance
“A reader lives a thousand lives
before he dies. A man who never reads
lives only one.” – George R.R. Martin
Several years ago, American Indian
College Fund staff members organized
a “Think Indian” book club to read the
literary works by Native authors – many
of whom have attended, graduated from or
taught at Tribal colleges and universities.
This year we realized we could elevate
Native writers’ voices by sharing their
works with the greater public. In addition
to providing recommendations for some
great reads, we also saw this as an oppor-
tunity to introduce people to cultures and
peoples they might not otherwise meet.
Reading literary fiction is proven to
be more than mere entertainment. Studies
show that reading literary fiction increases
empathy, encourages understanding of
other people and increases critical think-
ing skills (business books and commercial
fiction do not have the same effect, by
the way).
We created the Think Indian Book
Club blog to share our Think Indian Book
Club book selections and reviews. We
will review each forthcoming book club
selection and share it with you, the reader
(along with Indigenous booksellers’ infor-
mation so you can patronize Native-owned
businesses).
We have also created a list of past
Think Indian Book Club selections to get
you started on your summer reading. Enjoy,
and if you have a moment, drop us a line
at info@collegefund.org and let us know
how you enjoyed our recommendations.
Book review: Moon of the Crusted
Snow – collegefund.org/blog/book-
review-moon-of-the-crusted-snow/
List of past Think Indian Book Club
selections – collegefund.org/blog/read-
7/2
9/24
9/24
the-think-indian-book-club-past-selections/
For more information about the
Siletz Tribe, visit ctsi.nsn.us.
Need Rental Housing?
The Siletz Tribal Housing Depart-
ment encourages you to apply for
the Low-Income Rental Program
waiting list in Siletz (1-4
bedrooms) and Lincoln City (2-3
bedrooms – Neachesna Village).
*** Unfilled Deer Early Bow tags must be returned to Natural Resources by 10/8.
Applications can be obtained at any
Tribal area office (Eugene, Salem,
Portland, Siletz) or online from the
Tribal website – ctsi.nsn.us;
follow links – Tribal Services-
Housing-Low Rent Apartments
& Home Ownership.
Questions? Call 800-922-1399,
ext. 1322, or 541-444-8322;
fax: 541-444- 8313
12 •
Siletz News
•
June 2021