Welcome to National Indigenous Justice Information Inclusion (NIJII)
Dr. Wendelin Hume
The members of National Indigenous Justice Information Inclusion (NIJII) are primarily the same team (plus a number of new members) which provided resources and support for many years through the National Indigenous Elder Justice Initiative (NIEJI), that many Tribes are familiar with. The NIEJI project ran from 2011-2022 and was primarily funded by the Administration for Community Living (ACL)* with matching funds from the University of North Dakota, School of Medicine and Health Services. NIEJI materials are shared with permission and are grouped and identified in our web pages to be easily distinguished from our new materials and new funders.
The new NIJII team will facilitate the activities of an array of grant and other projects and monitor compliance with grant obligations, while sharing information on this website which will serve as a resource center with trainings and other information for Indigenous Communities, our Tribal Coalition members, and allies.
The members of NIJII believe that information and inclusion are fundamental pillars of a just and equitable society. Access to accurate and pertinent Indigenous information empowers individuals with knowledge, enabling them to make informed decisions, participate in civic life, and pursue personal and community wellness. Inclusion, on the other hand, ensures that all members of society, regardless of their background or identity, have an equal opportunity to access this information. Together, we hope to foster a more equitable, informed, and cohesive world, promoting understanding, empathy, and positive peace for Indigenous people.
Featured
AARP Fraud Watch Network Videos
Learn to recognize the warning signs of fraud.
Knowledge is the best defense against these and other common scams, with the help of free resources available through the AARP Fraud Watch Network featuring members Shoshone-Bannock Tribe.
We are excited to share the latest edition of the NIJII newsletter. This edition raises awareness about Missing Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW).
*The NIEJI project has been retired, but they have granted NIJII permission to share materials. The new ACL Title VI Elder Justice Grantee
can be found at iasquared.org. You can contact us with any questions at wendelin.hume@nijii.org.
Connections
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Awareness Month
December has some of the shortest days of the year, and it can often be snowy and cold, which keeps people indoors. These changes can trigger a type of seasonal depression. SAD is more common among people living farther north. In the winter-pattern SAD, additional symptoms to those found with depression can include oversleeping (hypersomnia), overeating, particularly with a craving for carbohydrates, leading to weight gain, and social withdrawal (feeling like “hibernating”).
Activities that can help you feel better include:
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Do something you enjoy.
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Spend a little time outside in the sunlight or near a sunny window.
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Spend time with family and friends, including your pet.
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Eat healthy and avoid too much sugar.
For more information and potential treatments, including light therapy, please check out the following resources: National Institute of Mental Health and Mayo Clinic.
For all our visitors and members, we wish you Peace and Blessings for the Holiday Season, and we hope you will join us as we continue our work with Indigenous people in the New Year.