"The work to transform tribal families and communities into a circle of balance and harmony requires individual growth and systemic responsibility."

This information packet offers a sampling of articles and resource materials that address domestic violence in Native American communities. An informational handbook, "Domestic Violence is Not a Lakota/Dakota Tradition," reframes domestic violence issues and dynamics within the context of native people's experience of colonization, a history of oppression and subsequent move away from cultural traditions in which women and men were valued and respected equally. A handbook on "Confidentiality" contrasts ways that women are treated in a shelter program that has been modeled on indigenous culture in comparison with a program that embodies principles of the "hierarchical medical model of dominant society." Several sets of articles, handouts and fact sheets summarize information about topics such as the incidence of violence and stalking in the lives of Native women, the dynamics of internalized oppression and connections between alcohol abuse and domestic violence. Also included in the packet is a brochure that describes the mission, purpose and services of the Sacred Circle National Resource Center to End Violence Against Native Women.

Recommended for Indian Tribes and tribal organizations developing domestic violence interventions and strategies on Indian reservations and tribal communities.