"The U.S. House of Representatives recently reauthorized the Violence Against Women Act, expanding the rights of Natives across Indian Country and enhancing our ability to better protect Quapaw Nation citizens. VAWA strengthens our tribal sovereignty and right to self-governance by adding more criminal offenses that protect tribal elders and children; increases the ability of tribal police and courts to enforce our laws; increases much-needed funding to tribal nations; and adds entirely new provisions like ensuring unemployment claims cannot be denied to people who voluntarily separate from their employment due to sexual harassment, sexual violence, stalking or domestic violence. I applaud the U.S. House of Representatives for not only reauthorizing, but strengthening the Violence Against Women Act, and I encourage the U.S. Senate to act in a bipartisan manner and follow suit. It sends the message that public safety within tribal jurisdictions is a priority of this Congress and this administration, which has never been more important considering the post-McGirt landscape we face daily within the state of Oklahoma." - Quapaw Nation Chairman Joseph Tali Byrd
Comments