Tewa Women United

Tewa Women United (TWU) is a grassroots nonprofit organization that specializes in developing and operating culturally-congruent programs that address violence and oppression in its Northern New Mexico communities. TWU’s unique approach integrates indigenous wisdom and practices with professional expertise to empower women to actively participate in their health and well-being and use their natural leadership skills to enhance the well-being of their families and communities.

Women living on Pueblos face unique challenges when dealing with violence. Poverty and cultural issues limit their access to protection and healthcare services. Law enforcement lacks the resources to adequately respond to calls and enforce protection and custody orders. Many survivors live in rural areas and have limited access to telephones, transportation, and emergency services.

TWU is the only 501(c)(3) organization addressing these challenges from a cultural perspective.

TWU’s constituents gain access to health and environmental information year round through our environmental justice and reproductive justice focus groups as well as at our annual “Gathering for Mother Earth”. They also receive traditional Indigenous health-related services and support through the Circle of Grandmothers, and direct victim assistance through our VOICES sexual violence prevention/advocacy program.

Through Relational-tivity, we embody courageous spaces that center Indigenous women and girls to connect with ancestral knowingness, healing strengths, and lifeways for the wellbeing of ALL.