U.S. Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref | U.S. Department of Justice
The United States Attorney's Office in Spokane, Washington, participated in several events throughout November to honor National Native American Heritage Month. This year's theme, "Affirming Native Voices: Visibility, Leadership and Service," guided the office's involvement in community activities.
On November 8, 2024, U.S. Attorney Vanessa Waldref and Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Bree Black Horse attended the Yakama Nation Veteran’s Powwow in White Swan, Washington. They recognized Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) survivors and their families through a red dress special and honor song. The event acknowledged Waldref's efforts to enhance public safety in Indian country and her role in establishing the Northwest MMIP AUSA position for Eastern Washington.
AUSA Black Horse also engaged with the Yakima Domestic Violence Coalition on November 12, 2024. She emphasized 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.
Further community engagement occurred on November 14, 2024, at the Yakama Nation Winter Lodge. AUSA Black Horse joined forces with various organizations including the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Washington State Patrol to present resources aimed at helping families of crime victims seek justice.
In another event on November 18, 2024, AUSA Black Horse shared insights from her legal career with the Spokane Sector of the U.S. Border Patrol. That evening she joined U.S. Attorney Waldref at Gonzaga University School of Law for a panel discussion hosted by the Center for Civil and Human Rights. They addressed efforts to tackle the MMIP crisis while celebrating indigenous women's advocacy.
On November 21, 2024, a virtual program was hosted by The Justice Management Division Equal Employment Opportunity Staff and DOJ Office of Tribal Justice to observe Native American Heritage Month. AUSA Black Horse spoke about her work 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.” She reiterated the importance of maintaining a trust relationship with Tribes in Eastern Washington through continued listening sessions and community outreach.
For more information on Native American Heritage Month visit https://www.nativeamericanheritagemonth.gov/. Details about the Washington State Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People Task Force can be found at https://www.atg.wa.gov/washington-state-missing-and-murdered-indigenous-women-and-people-task-force.
