Each November, the United States observes National Native American Heritage Month. The Department of Justice acknowledges the significant contributions of Native American communities to Eastern Washington's heritage and culture.
The 2024 theme for Native American Heritage Month is "Affirming Native Voices: Visibility, Leadership and Service." In line with this theme, the U.S. Attorney’s Office participated in various community events throughout November in locations such as Yakima, Spokane, and Gonzaga School of Law.
On November 8, 2024, U.S. Attorney Vanessa Waldref, Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Derrig, Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Seal, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Bree Black Horse attended the Yakama Nation Veteran’s Powwow in White Swan, Washington. At this event, Waldref and Black Horse honored Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) survivors and their families during a red dress special and honor song ceremony. Waldref's efforts to enhance public safety in Indian country were acknowledged at the event.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Bree Black Horse presented at the Yakima Domestic Violence Coalition Meeting on November 12, 2024. She emphasized using a trauma-informed approach to domestic violence cases involving American Indian and Alaska Native survivors and provided training on culturally sensitive practices for assisting victims of violent crimes in Indian country.
On November 14, 2024, Black Horse joined forces with the Yakama Nation, Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), Washington Attorney General’s Office, and Washington State Patrol for a community presentation at the Yakama Nation Winter Lodge. Resources available to families seeking justice for their loved ones were shared by Black Horse alongside state, federal, local, and Tribal partners.
Black Horse also spoke about her legal career experiences with the Spokane Sector of the U.S. Border Patrol on November 18, 2024. That evening saw her join Waldref for a panel discussion at Gonzaga University School of Law hosted by the Center for Civil and Human Rights where they addressed MMIP crisis efforts by the Department of Justice.
On November 21st a nationwide virtual program was held by The Justice Management Division (JMD) Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Staff along with DOJ Office of Tribal Justice to observe Native American Heritage Month where AUSA Black Horse discussed her role prosecuting MMIP cases in northwestern United States.
U.S. Attorney Waldref stated: “My office is committing to seeking justice for all who call Eastern Washington home,” adding that there exists "a special trust relationship" between the United States government and Tribes within Eastern Washington.
Further information on Native American Heritage Month can be found at https://www.nativeamericanheritagemonth.gov/. Details regarding Washington State Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Task Force are available at https://www.atg.wa.gov/washington-state-missing-and-murdered-indigenous-women-and-people-task-force.