Evergreen Reporter

The Department of Justice has announced a grant of $610,000 for the Kalispel Indian Community of the Kalispel Reservation. This funding aims to address and prevent sexual assault within the community.

Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, emphasized the importance of this initiative. "This latest grant award demonstrates the federal government’s continued commitment to combatting sexual violence, including within Tribal communities in Eastern Washington, which disproportionately impacts women and vulnerable populations," she stated. "Victims of sexual assault deserve to live in a world where they feel safe – free from abuse and the fear of abuse."

The grant will enable the Kalispel Tribe to hire a full-time sexual assault advocate who will provide crisis intervention, emergency services, advocacy, and referrals. Additionally, an emergency hotline will be managed with these funds, alongside developing materials to support survivors.

Curt Holmes, Vice Chair and Executive Director of Kalispel Casino & Government Affairs, highlighted the tribe's dedication: “The Kalispel Tribe is deeply committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our people and our community.” He noted that their Victim Assistance Services program has been active for 21 years and serves about 760 victims annually. The program assists both tribal members and non-tribal members while collaborating with law enforcement agencies and other service providers in Spokane and Pend Oreille Counties.

Kalispel Tribe Victim Assistance Services (KTVAS) operates throughout Pend Oreille County—including Ione and Metaline Falls—and Spokane Counties—covering areas like Cheney, Airway Heights, and Fairchild Airforce Base. KTVAS offers culturally specific services as it is the only Tribal Victim Service program on Washington State's east side catering to all Native Americans.

The Office on Violence Against Women awarded this grant under its Fiscal Year 2024 Tribal Sexual Assault Services Program. This initiative supports projects aimed at creating or expanding sustainable sexual assault services by tribes or tribal organizations across Indian country and Alaska Native villages.