Project Beacon - Omaha

08/28/2025

PSAs

08/28/2025

This is a valuable resource and will be posting more individual graphics from here.

08/28/2025

PSA

08/23/2025

Update!

08/20/2025

***Missing youth in Omaha***
Height correction is 5'2"

08/19/2025

Today's information about trafficking is:
Native Americans are identified as a particularly vulnerable population for human trafficking due to factors like racism and historical mistreatment.
Overrepresentation in Trafficking Statistics: Studies highlight a significant overrepresentation of Native American and First Nations women among s*x trafficking survivors in some areas, according to the Department of Justice (.gov). For example:
A study involving four locations in the US and Canada indicated that 40% of those trafficked were Native Americans, despite them comprising only 10% of the population in those areas.
In South Dakota, Native American women represented 40% of s*x trafficking victims, while making up only 8% of the population.
Native Americans accounted for nearly one-quarter of trafficking victims in New Mexico, despite comprising just 11% of the population.
Factors Contributing to Vulnerability: Traffickers often exploit vulnerabilities like financial hardship, homelessness, language barriers, and cultural barriers, which Indigenous persons disproportionately experience. Historical injustices, including colonization and assimilation policies that disrupted Native communities and traditional practices, contribute to these vulnerabilities, according to Our Rescue.
Challenges in Data Collection: Obtaining comprehensive prevalence data on human trafficking in Native American communities is difficult due to the hidden nature of the crime, underreporting, and inconsistent documentation of Native American status in law enforcement records.
Interconnectedness with S*xual Violence: Human trafficking in Native communities is often intertwined with high rates of s*xual violence, with studies indicating that Native American women are 2.5 times more likely to experience s*xual violence than other American women. Many Native women and girls who experience s*xual violence and exploitation are also criminalized for their victimization.
Impact of Trafficking: The trauma experienced by Native women who are victims of human trafficking can be profound and have far-reaching effects on their families and communities, according to The Exodus Road. Health problems are also prevalent, with studies showing high rates of physical assault, traumatic brain injuries, and other health issues among trafficked Native women.
Efforts are underway to address this issue: Organizations and agencies are working to raise awareness, provide resources, and develop strategies tailored to Native communities to combat human trafficking. Resources like the National Human Trafficking Hotline 1-888-373-7888 and StrongHearts Native Helpline 1-844-762-8483 are available to support victims and communities.

08/12/2025

Good information to share 👍🏾

DOWNLOAD: "Native Youth Toolkit on Human Trafficking: Combating Trafficking." The purpose of this toolkit is to raise awareness and prevent trafficking of Native youth by educating them on what human trafficking is, available resources, safety tips, and ways to get involved in their communities.

This resource considers the unique cultural aspects of this issue for Native youth, tying in the fact that trafficking is outside of Native traditions, and encourages youth to speak with tribal Elders in their community. Native resources, such as the National Indigenous Women's Resource Center and StrongHearts Native Helpline visit disclaimer page, are also listed as resources for youth to learn more.



DOWNLOAD:https://www.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/otip/native_youth_toolkit_on_human_trafficking.pdf

08/05/2025

The connection between Overdoses and Domestic Violence.

In relationships, people find comfort in the mood-altering chemicals to escape the reality that their living. It puts women at risk for overdosing. For August, Mending the Sacred Hoop wants to bring attention to the International Day of Awareness on August 31st, 2025.

Please reach out to your loved ones and check in on them.

988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline
SAMHSA National Hotline 1-800-662-HELP
Domestic Violence National Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE
StrongHearts Native Helpline: 1-844-762-8483

08/04/2025

NUIHC staff and Project Beacon staff members attended the Women are Sacred conference to learn what advocates are doing across Indian Country. Project Beacon grantees presented on working with urban Natives and ways of being an advocate in an urban versus rural setting. We appreciate everyone's efforts to raise awareness, advocate, and utilize traditional teachings and culture as a protective factor against human trafficking, abuses, and unhealthy behaviors. The conference hosted a regalia parade and pow wow, focusing on the feminine.

07/28/2025

Grantee and MIWSAC meeting today is in the books. Thank you to the staff for the bear's food wateca!

07/11/2025

‼️UPDATE: FOUND SAFE! Thank you to all who shared.‼️

Nevaeh Wright is a 15 year old female missing from the Norfolk, NE area. Last seen 7/5/25. If you have any information, please contact Norfolk Police Department at 402-644-8700

07/09/2025

🤰🏽 "She knows her body. Hear Her." 🧡

Too many Native women die each year from complications related to pregnancy and childbirth—deaths that are often preventable. In fact, over 80% of pregnancy-related deaths in the U.S. could be avoided.

When a pregnant or postpartum woman says something doesn’t feel right—listen. Trust her voice. Act quickly. You could help save a life.

Whether you're a partner, auntie, friend, elder, or health provider—you play a vital role.

📢 Let's uplift Native voices. Let’s create safe spaces where Native women are heard, respected, and supported throughout pregnancy and after birth.

🔗 Learn more and recognize the warning signs: cdc.gov/hearher