Jane Root, Executive Director, Provided Testimony on Behalf of the Wabanaki Tribes at the OVC and OVW Tribal Consultation in New Buffalo, Michigan

The Wabanaki Women’s Coalition staff
attended the 2019 Department of Justice Office
on Violence Against Women Government-to-
Government Tribal Consultation that was held
August 21-22, 2019 in New Buffalo, Michigan.
Jane Root, Executive Director, was authorized
by all five (5) Wabanaki Chiefs to provide
written and oral testimony on behalf of the
Tribes. The OVW Consultation was preceded by
an OVC (Office for Victims of Crime) Tribal
Consultation which was held on August 20,
2019. Jane Root also provided testimony at the
OVC Consultation on behalf of the Wabanaki Tribes.

Wabanaki Testimony – OVC Consultation 2019

Wabanaki Testimony – OVW Consultation 2019

Domestic Violence Day at the State House

WWC table at Domestic Violence Day

On February 20, 2018 the Wabanaki Women’s Coalition (WWC) participated in Domestic Violence Day at the State House. The Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence, its member organizations, and the Wabanaki Women’s Coalition were together in the Hall of Flags, talking with policy makers about how we connect with people affected by abuse in our communities.

The theme this year was “Through Our Doors,” and attendees got really creative, illustrating the many doors that lead to their services. Some of the key points discussed throughout the day included:

  • There are many “doors” through which people connect with our services;
  • Those doors are interconnected;
  • The needs of the people with whom we work are complex and multi-layered. Our method of connecting folks—no matter through which door they come—to as many other doors as possible, is an efficient and effective way to address their needs;
  • If we close any of the doors, we have a ripple effect on people accessing other services and sources of help.

The event was well attended by legislators and other guests. We look forward to participating again next year!

 

WWC Announces New Staff Member

Donna Brown

Please join me in welcoming Donna Brown, MSW to the WWC staff as the new Outreach Coordinator. Donna has an extensive background working for not only her own Tribe (Penobscot Nation) but also other tribes in areas of mental health, wellness court, youth mental health, and event planning. Donna is a multi-talented young woman who is also a jingle dancer, does bead work, seamstress of regalia and shawls and sweet grass braider extraordinaire.

As Outreach Coordinator Donna will be producing a monthly WWC newsletter, maintaining a social media presence, keeping the WWC webpage current, provide community education and assist the Wabanaki Advocacy Centers on Awareness Events to just name a few.

WWC plans to open an outreach office in Orono this winter but until then Donna will be working out of her home office in Bangor.

-Jane Root, Executive Director