SEATTLE—Leaders from Seattle Indian Health Board, Chief Seattle Club, and United Indians of All Tribes Foundation are calling for the acts of violence at Seattle City Councilwoman Debora Juarez’s home to end.
Juarez, the first Indigenous woman ever elected to the Seattle City Council, has challenged a proposal to defund the Seattle Police Department by 50% because it lacks any plan for how to reallocate the resources and reinvest in marginalized communities. Construing her position as opposition, protesters have twice left materials on her doorstep and marched at her home on Sunday afternoon and evening and again late Wednesday evening.
Esther Lucero, CEO of Seattle Indian Health Board
“The violence being used to silence Councilwoman Debora Juarez is inexcusable and needs to stop immediately. As an Indigenous person, myself, who advocates for police reform, her request to see plans is an Indigenous and responsible action that is not only justified, but necessary for public safety. Councilwoman Juarez has taken steps to address violence against Native women in Seattle. She has stood up for all Indigenous women, and it is our turn to stand up for her and demand the violence against her and her family ends.”
Colleen Echohawk, Executive Director of Chief Seattle Club
“This behavior of terror toward Councilmember Debora Juarez is disgusting and the antithesis of the movement. Perpetuating violence against Native women has been the standard practice for the non-BIPOC community and it has to stop. Councilmember Juarez has continued to support the Native community and ensured that hundreds of thousands of dollars have gone to urban Native non-profits to support youth programs, homelessness and housing. She does this quietly and with great thought, leading from a place of humility and care for our relatives. I stand with Councilmember Debora Juarez.”
Abigail Echo-Hawk, Chief Research Officer of Seattle Indian Health Board and Director of Urban Indian Heath Institute
“As a Seattle resident, an Indigenous woman and individual fighting to end violence against Native women, I won’t condone the acts of violence happening to Councilwoman Debora Juarez. As a community, we cannot be complicit in any violence against Indigenous womxn, and the use of dehumanizing language and methods are acts of violence that have been used to harm our people for centuries. If you disagree on politics, then vote your mind, but don’t condone violence against our womxn. I stand with Councilmember Juarez and call for the safety of her and her family.”
Mike Tulee, Executive Director of United Indians of All Tribes Foundation “The attacks toward Councilmember Debora Juarez are appalling and counterintuitive to the hard work so many have done, and continue to do, around police reform. Councilmember Juarez has not only fought to protect Native people, but all people of Seattle. For her to experience this violence because her position has been grossly misinterpreted is simply wrong. I stand with Councilmember Juarez and want to see steps taken to ensure her and her family are safe.”