Cheyenne River Lakota observe Domestic Violence Awareness Month
EAGLE BUTTE – October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), which offers a platform to raise awareness, inspire change, heal together, and work towards a safer future for all relatives. According to the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center (NIWRC), “…Domestic violence is not traditional to Native cultures, and it violates the very essence of who Native people are. This violence ends when we reclaim Indigenous values of respect and compassion and (when) we honor the sacredness of women and children.
“As relatives, it is our responsibility to speak out against domestic violence and ensure the voices of Native survivors are heard. Offenders must be stopped and held accountable. Hold space for Native survivors of domestic violence by listening to, believing, and supporting them on their journey to healing. Be a good relative by protecting and respecting Native women.”
Monique Pretty Weasel is the Community Outreach Coordinator at the Sacred Heart Center Community Outreach Office in Eagle Butte. According to Pretty Weasel, her organization has scheduled the following activities in observance of DVAM:
Thursday, October 12, 5:30 pm – Movie Night at Oglala Community College. Popcorn, soft drinks, and showing of the 2022 film “Where the Crawdads Sing.” According to one reviewer, “…the film is a remarkable adaptation of Delia Owens’ bestselling novel by the same name, bringing to life the story of a young girl’s journey of love, resilience, and the triumph of the human spirit. This heartfelt film captivates its audience from start to finish, weaving together a tale of nature, mystery, and the power of human connection.”
Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of “A–” on an A+ to F scale. PostTrak reported 87% of audience members gave it a positive score (with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars), with 70% saying they would definitely recommend it. The film is rated PG-13 for sexual content and some violence including a sexual assault.
After the showing of the film, staff from the Sacred Heart Center will be available to lead a confidential discussion for those who wish to participate and/or observe.
On October 16 – 20, the Sacred Heart Center encourages local businesses to use purple lights to help raise awareness of domestic violence. Purple lights are available from amazon.com for a moderate cost.
On Friday, October 20 from 5 pm – 8 pm, the Sacred Heart Center will be a participant at the State Bank of Eagle Butte Trunk or Treat event and will be offering giveaways and DVAM literature.
On Friday, October 27 at 5:30 pm, there will be a Domestic Violence Glow Walk at the C-EB track. T-shirts and glow necklaces will be provided. Donations to help defray the cost of giveaways are welcome.
For more information about any of these activities, contact Monique Pretty Weasel at the Sacred Heart Center Outreach office at 605-964-6062.
Sacred Heart Center is a nonprofit multi-service organization incorporated under the laws of South Dakota located on the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation. Its service area covers over 4,707 square miles.
The organization operates four primary programs, Family Violence Services, Child Services, Community Outreach, and Bear Necessities Thrift Store. The Mission Statement reads: “Our mission is to eradicate violence and oppressive practices through the empowerment of individuals, families and communities in order to support justice, social change and non-violence.”
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SOURCES:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Where_the_Crawdads_Sing_(film)
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October 13, 2023