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15th National Indian Nations Conference (December 8-10, 2016)

15th National Indian Nations Conference
December 8-10, 2016, Agua Caliente/Palm Springs, CA.

“Harnessing our Collective Wisdom: Strengthening the Circle of Safety, Justice and Healing.”

The largest U.S. Department of Justice sponsored Indian Nations conference, brings together Native American victims, victim advocates, tribal leaders, victim service providers, community volunteers, prosecutors, judicial and law enforcement personnel, family violence and sexual assault specialists, medical providers, social services and mental health personnel, probation/corrections, criminal justice and juvenile justice personnel, as well as federal and state agency representatives to share their knowledge, experiences and ideas for developing programs that serve the unique needs of crime victims in Indian Country.

Members of the Indigenous Peacemaking Initiative (IPI) Advisory Committee will be speaking on two panels:

  • Senior Tribal Court Judges Circle: Innovative Uses of Traditions and Values, December 8,2016, 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., in the Mesquite Room
    Senior Tribal Court Judges discuss how employing tribal traditions, values, and peacemaking processes from the bench and other contexts can change behavior rather than merely punish.  Changing behavior is the greatest protection of the safety of vulnerable members of our communities, and allows victims to heal and live without fear will be presented by:  Brett Shelton, Hon. Cheryl D. Fairbanks, David Raasch, Michael Petosky
  • Promoting Traditional and Restorative Principles to Strengthen Safety, Justice, and Healing, December 9, 2016, 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., in the Chino Room
    Crime, violence, and trauma negatively impact victims/survivors, offenders, and cause collateral consequences in families and communities. Panelists explain approaches and resources using holistic justice drawing from traditional wisdom and restorative principles to address harm,  promote healing, and account for historical trauma’s role in the impacts felt in our communities will be presented by:  Nikki Borchardt Campbell, Natasha Gourd, Shawn Watts, Brett Shelton