Yvonne Swan is a member of the Sinixt (Arr ow Lakes People) and Colville Confederated Tribes\, and a once-convicted c riminal. She has dedicated her life to advocating for the rights of Indige nous people and raising awareness for issues that disproportionately affec t Indigenous women. Through her passionate advocacy\, she has become a bea con of hope and strength for many.
\nA pivot point in Swan's life ca me on August 12\, 1972\, when a known child molester entered the home wher e Swan and her children were residing\, and made a move for her nephew\, s aying "My\, what a cute little boy." Swan\, whose leg was in a cast at the time\, shot and killed the attacker.
\nHer resulting entanglement w ith the criminal justice system eventually led to a landmark ruling in the Washington Supreme Court\, which "declared that [Swan] was entitled to ha ve a jury consider her actions in the light of her 'perceptions of the sit uation\, including those perceptions which were the product of our nation& rsquo\;s long and unfortunate history of sex discrimination.'" The ruling was the first in the country to recognize "the particular legal problems o f women who defend themselves or their children from male attackers." https://ccrjustice.org/home/what-we-do/our-cases/state-washington-v -wanrow
\nYvonne Swan has dedicated her life to uplifting her co mmunity and preserving the rights of Indigenous women. As a key figure in the American Indian Movement\, her tireless work has contributed significa ntly to creating a more just and equitable society. During this unforgetta ble event\, Yvonne will delve into the unique adversities faced by Indigen ous \;women\, shedding light on the resilience and strength required t o persevere and fight for change.
\nSwan will be joined in conversat ion by Profes sor Margo Hill\, herself a forceful advocate for the rights of Indigen ous \;Women.
\nJoin us in celebrating the resilience and strengt h of Yvonne Swan and the Indigenous \;women she represents!
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\nhttps://spokanelibrary.libnet.info/event/8495837 URL;VALUE=URI:https://spokanelibrary.libnet.info/event/8495837 END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR