Study Notes on Violence Against Lumbee Women and Historical Context of Indigenous Women's Issues

The Lumbee are recognized as the largest tribe in North Carolina, predominantly residing in Robeson County—a county frequently listed among the most dangerous in the U.S.
Indigenous women face disproportionately high risks of violence, with murder rates higher than any other racial group nationwide.
This work specifically examines the violence directed at Native women, focusing on Lumbee women.

The discussion includes sensitive topics like rape and murder that may be distressing for some listeners.

In 2014, the author worked at Lumberton Senior High School, where she supported students experiencing various issues, including domestic violence.
One memorable student: Marcey Blanks
  - Description: brown-skinned, thin, with wavy brown hair and large brown eyes.
  - Tragically murdered in 2016; details reveal she was raped, stabbed 89 times, and died identifying her assailant on a neighbor's doorstep.
  - Significance: Her story exemplifies the broader issue of violence against Indigenous women, highlighting systemic failures.

Co-hosted with Chelsea T. Locklear, the podcast covers Indigenous persons who have been murdered or gone missing, focusing on cases in Robeson County.
The realization of never running out of stories reflects the endemic nature of the violence faced by the Indigenous community.

North Carolina recognizes eight tribes, with Lumbee Tribe having over 70,000 members and the state being home to over 122,000 Indigenous individuals.
Robeson County is marked by severe violence against Native women; statistics:
  - Indigenous women are 10 times more likely to be murdered than the national average.
  - 84% of Indigenous women have experienced violence in their lifetimes.
  - 40% of women being sex trafficked in the U.S. identify as Native American.

The term "epidemic" in relation to violence against Indigenous women is criticized for implying a biological or isolated issue rather than a product of systemic oppression.
Citing Sarah Deer’s 2015 work, the author emphasizes the continuity of violence faced by generations of Indigenous women.

1492: Columbus initiated a sex slave trade involving Indigenous girls, noting a demand for young girls.
Notable historical figures:
- Pocahontas: raped by colonists as a child; died young, remains unknown.
- Sacajawea: kidnapped and forced into marriage at 13, endured further exploitation.
The author argues that the targeting and abuse of Indigenous women is an enduring legacy of colonialism rather than a new social issue.

Indigenous matriarchal structures have been central to cultures, reinforcing women’s leadership and roles in community life despite the historical violence.
The recognition of Indigenous women's cultural significance contrasts starkly with colonial attempts to dismantle these roles.

2017: Bodies of three women—Rhonda Jones, Kristin Bennett, and Megan Oxendine—discovered under distressing circumstances; causes of death listed as “undetermined.”
Local Law Enforcement: Sheriff's unfamiliarity with MMIW cases indicates systemic neglect of Indigenous issues.
The emotional toll of loss on communities is emphasized, with personal accounts highlighting the intimate connections between victims and their families.

Defined as “cumulative emotional and psychological wounding across generations” stemming from collective trauma.

Healing is framed as a communal process; individual suffering reflects community pain.
Blood Memory: Explains Indigenous understanding of intergenerational experiences, opposing Western ideals of individualism and achievement.
The interconnected nature of suffering within Indigenous communities reinforces the importance of collective healing practices.

Federal Recognition: The Lumbee Tribe’s pursuit of federal recognition is crucial for improving access to resources and services necessary for community healing and empowerment.
Education: Advocates for greater awareness about Indigenous histories and contemporary struggles in education, shifting focus on accountability from victims to perpetrators of violence.
Emphasis on the necessity for non-Natives to engage in discussions about violence against Indigenous women and the systemic roots of these issues.

Addressing the violence and trauma within Indigenous communities requires comprehensive engagement and healing strategies, acknowledging the historical context and ongoing implications of colonial legacies.
The author's reflections and stories of individual victims illustrate the urgent need for social justice and systemic change.

Recognition of victims: Marcey Blanks, Rhonda Jones, Kristin Bennett, Megan Oxendine, Cynthia Jacobs, Abby Patterson; highlighting the ongoing impact of violence on Indigenous women.