Merkley, Wyden Announce $1.8 Million in Federal Funding to Support Public Safety Services in Tribal Communities

Portland, OR - Oregon's U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden today announced that four Oregon Tribes have secured a combined $1,804,643 from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to develop, expand, and enhance culturally appropriate services for crime victims in Tribal communities.

"We should do all we can to keep our communities safe and support victims of crime," said Merkley. "This investment from the federal government will allow Tribal communities across Oregon to provide critical services for survivors and their families to begin the process of recovery and healing."

"Tribal members in Oregon should feel safe in their communities and have appropriate services available if they become victims of crime," Wyden said. "I'm glad these federal resources are available to achieve those goals, and I'll keep battling to secure similar funds for tribal communities throughout our state."

Four of the awards, which come from the DOJ's Tribal Victim Set-Aside Services and the Services for the Victims of Crime programs, support Tribes implementing trauma-informed, victim-centered services, including direct services like counseling and crisis intervention, culturally specific traditional healing, and infrastructure projects like building shelters or modular homes. Funding also supports Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) search efforts and family support, alongside strategic planning, community outreach, and provider training.

The four recipients for this latest Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside program funding are as follows:

• $494,092 for the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission
• $284,130 for the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde
• $264,918 for the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians
• $284,130 for the Klamath Tribes

Additionally, the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde received $477,343 from the Services for the Victims of Crime program. With this funding, the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde will expand its Domestic Violence Department by funding one full-time peer support specialist to provide peer support, case management, safety planning, court accompaniment, and victim support group facilitation. The project will also offer contracted civil legal services and support transportation needs of victims. The project addresses critical victim services gaps in this rural area, which is more than 20 miles from courts and social services.

"We thank Senator Merkley and Senator Wyden for standing with the tribal communities of the Columbia River and fighting to secure this funding. Our people have always cared for one another, and this investment strengthens that care. With these resources, we can expand crisis response, legal advocacy, and culturally grounded healing, so that no Native survivor of violence or abuse along the river has to face it alone," said Aja DeCoteau, Executive Director, Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission.

"As a tribal people, we carry with us the historical traumas of violence and racism. These fuel the domestic violence cycles that too many of our people experience in their lifetime," said Grand Ronde Tribal Chairwoman Cheryle A. Kennedy. "Those who suffer at the hands of a loved one are looking for safety. A safe place to live, to rest, and a path to physical and emotional freedom. With these grant dollars the Tribe can further our resources to give them that. Grants like these save lives and we're grateful that the Department of Justice recognizes that."

"I extend our appreciation and offer our many thanks to the Oregon Congressional Delegation, Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden and Congressman Cliff Bentz, for much needed U.S. Department of Justice Tribal Victim Services Grant Award," said Klamath Tribes Tribal Council Chairman William Ray, Jr.

"The Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians is grateful for this funding and the opportunity it provides to strengthen services for victims of crime in our community," said Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians Chair Carla Keene. "Supporting individuals and families who have experienced trauma is an important responsibility, and we are committed to ensuring they have access to the resources, advocacy, and culturally responsive care they need to heal and move forward. This investment will help us continue this important work, not only for our Tribal citizens, but for the broader community we serve. We appreciate the Senators' support and their recognition of the importance of these services."

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