Panel Discussion: Breaking the Silence: Indigenous Voices in the Illinois Anti-Violence Movement

Breaking the Silence: Indigenous Voices in the Illinois Anti-Violence Movement will feature a powerful panel of Indigenous advocates and preventionists who are leading the charge in addressing violence in their communities. In this session, panelists will share their personal journeys, the unique challenges faced by Indigenous communities, and the importance of Indigenous leadership in anti-violence work. They will discuss the disparities in gender-based violence, the role of cultural competency, and how Indigenous perspectives are reshaping harm reduction and healing. Attendees will gain insight into how collective healing, prevention, and community-building efforts are rooted in Indigenous traditions and how we can all support these ongoing efforts for a more just future.

Learning objectives:

• Understand the unique challenges and disparities in addressing gender-based violence within Indigenous communities, with a focus on the specific context of Chicago and Illinois.
• Gain insight into Indigenous-led approaches to harm reduction, healing, and prevention, and how cultural perspectives on gender-based violence foster inclusivity for all genders and sexual identities.
• Explore strategies for supporting and uplifting Indigenous leadership in anti-violence efforts, while learning how to address myths and misconceptions about Indigenous approaches to violence and healing.