In this Jan. 19, 2019 photo, Nancy Barnes attends with Native women holding up red dresses to symbolize missing and murdered indigenous women during the Women’s March on Juneau in front of the Alaska State Capitol. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

In this Jan. 19, 2019 photo, Nancy Barnes attends with Native women holding up red dresses to symbolize missing and murdered indigenous women during the Women’s March on Juneau in front of the Alaska State Capitol. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Local violence prevention coalition has a new Native name

It’s a Tlingit name.

The organization formerly known as Juneau Violence Prevention Coalition has a new name.

The coalition will now be known as the Haa tóoch lichéesh Coalition, which is a Tlingit-language name and translates to “we believe it is possible,” according to a press release from the organization.

[Organizations helping Juneau’s vulnerable population are getting a boost]

The release states the coalition, which was formed in 2003 and overseen by Aiding Women in Abuse and Rape Emergencies in partnership with community leaders and volunteers, is in the process of “decolonizing its practices” and launching the newly named effort as the next stage of its project.

[Surviving abuse: Rally raises awareness of child abuse, neglect]

The coalition is guided by Della Cheney, elder and weaver, according to the release. It is co-chaired by Kolene E. James, DaxKilatch, coordinator of the Native and Rural Student Center at the University of Alaska Southeast, and Ati Nasiah, violence prevention Director for Aiding Women in Abuse and Rape Emergencies (AWARE).

The coalition responds to social justice issues that arise within the community and plans prevention efforts to transform individual, institutional and systemic inequities, according to the release.


• This is a Juneau Empire report.


More in News

(Juneau Empire file photo)
Aurora forecast through the week of Feb. 1

These forecasts are courtesy of the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ Geophysical Institute… Continue reading

Two flags with pro-life themes, including the lower one added this week to one that’s been up for more than a year, fly along with the U.S. and Alaska state flags at the Governor’s House on Tuesday. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Doublespeak: Dunleavy adds second flag proclaiming pro-life allegiance at Governor’s House

First flag that’s been up for more than a year joined by second, more declarative banner.

Students play trumpets at the first annual Jazz Fest in 2024. (Photo courtesy of Sandy Fortier)
Join the second annual Juneau Jazz Fest to beat the winter blues

Four-day music festival brings education of students and Southeast community together.

Frank Richards, president of the Alaska Gasline Development Corp., speaks at a Jan. 6, 2025, news conference held in Anchorage by Gov. Mike Dunleavy. Dunleavy and Randy Ruaro, executive director of the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority, are standing behind RIchards. (Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)
For fourth consecutive year, gas pipeline boss is Alaska’s top-paid public executive

Sen. Bert Stedman, R-Sitka, had the highest compensation among state legislators after all got pay hike.

Juneau Assembly Member Maureen Hall (left) and Mayor Beth Weldon (center) talk to residents during a break in an Assembly meeting Monday, Feb. 3, 2025, about the establishment of a Local Improvement District that would require homeowners in the area to pay nearly $6,300 each for barriers to protect against glacial outburst floods. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Flood district plan charging property owners nearly $6,300 each gets unanimous OK from Assembly

117 objections filed for 466 properties in Mendenhall Valley deemed vulnerable to glacial floods.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Friday, Jan. 31, 2025

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

University of Alaska President Pat Pitney gives the State of the University address in Juneau on Jan. 30, 2025. She highlighted the wide variety of educational and vocational programs as creating opportunities for students, and for industries to invest in workforce development and the future of Alaska’s economy. (Corinne Smith/Alaska Beacon)
University of Alaska president highlights impact on workforce, research and economy in address

Pat Pitney also warns “headwinds” are coming with federal executive orders and potential budget cuts.

Most Read