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May 9, 2013
Uniting Three Fires Against Violence (UTFAV) is a statewide, tribal coalition against domestic and sexual violence. Our mission is to unite and empower Native American communities within the State of Michigan with the common goal of ending domestic violence and sexual assault. We are dedicated to providing resources, safety and advocacy to ensure the physical, mental, spiritual and emotional well-being of Native Americans victimized by violence.
In the past year, UTFAV has suffered some growing pains. The office was unstaffed, resulting in long periods of inactivity. However, the Board of Directors continued to work on building a solid foundation for our program.
The offices of UTFAV have been recently staffed, and will be moving soon. The Training Coordinator position has been filled with the hiring of Dulcey Garber. Dulcey previously worked as the Resource Center Coordinator and brings with her knowledge of the organization and passion for our cause.
My name is Lori Jump, and I have been hired as the Executive Director. I am a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians and worked for my Tribe for 26 years in the domestic/sexual violence field. While it was a difficult choice to leave my previous position, I am passionate about our work to end violence against women in Indian Country. I believe UTFAV has great potential to assist Michigan Tribes increase their capacity to respond to this issue in their communities.
UTFAV is in the midst of planning future activities and would love to have your input on where our current and future efforts should be directed. At the bottom of this email is a link for a short 10 question survey. Again, your input is very important and we thank you for taking the time to help guide us in the most beneficial direction.
Two events that we hope to sponsor before the end of the year are a retreat for advocates and a statewide training on the Tribal Law and Order Act (TLOA) and the recently passed Violence Against Women Act (VAWA 2013). Both Acts have wide ranging implications for Tribes and how we administer justice in our communities. We will keep you posted on those plans as they come together.
Dulcey and I are looking forward to working with Tribal community services and staff to end violence against women in Indian Country.
Sincerely,
Lori Jump
Executive Director
UTFAV
