The Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside (TVSSA) funding is a non-competitive grant program available to federally recognized Tribes. This funding allows recipients to establish and manage programs that integrate cultural and traditional healing practices to support victims and survivors of crime.
Here are some ways OVC grantees have incorporated cultural healing into their programs:
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Annual survivor retreats featuring professionals and traditional healers who provide tools for healing. (White Earth Band of Chippewa Indians)
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Culturally tailored support groups alongside healing dances, sweat lodge ceremonies, and smudging. (Ponca Tribe of Oklahoma)
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Cultural specialists offering instruction in traditional crafts, healing art, ribbon skirts, ribbon shirts, wing dresses for youth, smudging, and sweat house sessions. (Yakama Nation)
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Elder programs that fund activities such as gathering sumac berries, Indian tea, and pine nuts, as well as weekly Paiute language classes. (Yerington Paiute Tribe)
