General Information

On April 23^rd and 24^th, 2007 in conjunction with Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the White Buffalo Calf Woman Society, Inc. collaborated with the South Dakota coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault to hold the first annual “Women Celebrating Women” conference at the Ramkota Conference Center in Pierre, South Dakota.

The conference was directed toward sexual assault survivors and the advocates that provide not only direct services, but are at their side to support and assist them through the healing process for as long as needed.

The unique and innovative structure of this conference was the result of the collective efforts of both organizations. The main focus of this event was to provide both, survivors and advocates, not only with helpful and educative lectures but also with the opportunity to relax, unwind, or simply talk to other in the same situation. Some of the services provided under the title of “Healing Activities” were: Massage Therapy, Acupuncture, Yoga, CPR training and Health and Diabetes education. Along the lines of cultural education or healing, some of the activities were: Mask Making, Talking Sticks, Quilting, and Traditional Healing.

Speakers from the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the South Dakota Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, the White Buffalo Calf Woman Society, Inc., Clan Star and Cangleska, Inc. gave presentations to further those goals. Conference attendees were honored by the presence of the world-renowned author and poet Elizabeth Cook-Lynn, who gave the keynote speech at Monday night’s banquet.

Around sixty survivors ages 14 and up, and more than one hundred sexual assault advocates from across the state attended.

The goal of the conference was to bring sexual assault survivors and advocates to a place of healing and strengthening, and to give them tools to use in becoming leaders in their communities.

Rodney Bordeaux, president of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe was in attendance during the opening ceremonies, and addressed the audience expressing his commitment and support to end violent crimes in Indian Country.

The conference, the first of its kind was a great success. Survivors and advocates are already planning on clearing their schedules in order to attend next year’s conference.

This conference was made possible with funds from the Department of Justice in the forms of a grants awarded to WBCWS and SDCADVSA.

If you or someone you know is or has been a victim of a violent crime, contact the White Buffalo Calf Woman Society, Inc. or the South Dakota Coalition Against Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault.