NIWRC Statement on the Murder of Tyre Nichols
(LAME DEER, Mont., Feb 3, 2023)—Like many of you, we needed time and patience to collectively process the murder of Tyre Nichols. The National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center (NIWRC) stands firmly with the movement to reform and create responsive local, city, county, and state police departments developed in cooperation with the communities served.
As an organization dedicated to ending violence against Native women and children, we fully understand the prejudice and systemic racism used to erase and dehumanize all people of color. The hard reality that many people of color live with, is that our people of color are treated differently. We see it in our Native and Indigenous sisters, our 2S+/LGBTQ+ relatives, our Asian American and Pacific Islander relatives, our Black relatives, and everyone within these intersections.
Decry the dehumanization and minimization of the violence that people of color face every day. Violence is not our tradition for our people. Systemic racism tells us that the officers accountable for this act will be treated differently than if they were white officers. This also demonstrates how racism and violence are ingrained in colonial structures and institutions.
While bearing witness to the brutality and injustice captured, remember that our people are real people, whose traumatic last moments are being shared nationally. Through mass media consumption, viewing and sharing the live footage dehumanizes the tragedy. Remind yourself and consciously weigh the reasons why you are watching these videos and how they may make you feel. Emotions can range from rage, hurt, shock, and even a disconnect or numbness. For some, the footage may be difficult, hurting the path toward healing and safety.
If you or someone you know needs support, please contact the StrongHearts Native Helpline. StrongHearts is a 24/7 safe, confidential, and anonymous helpline for Native Americans and Alaska Natives, offering culturally-appropriate support and advocacy. Call 1-844-762-8483 or visit their website, strongheartshelpline.org, for the text-based chat option.
Please take care of yourself first and reach out to friends and relatives for support.
Connect. Lift your voices, your stories, and your truths.
Resources
Read
- My Grandmother’s Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending Our Hearts and Bodies by Resmaa Menakem.
- Open Season: Legalized Genocide of Colored People By Attorney Ben Crump
Support
- Call or organize a call for action by supporting your state legislators to pass the George Floyd Bill.
- Support the Bystander Intervention Bill.
- Demand training and education. Participate in de-escalation training and culturally appropriate training in high populations of people of color.
