Welcome to the National Indigenous Justice Information Inclusion (NIJII)
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.
Dr. Wendelin Hume
The new NIJII team facilitates the activities of an array of grant and other projects and monitor compliance with grant obligations, while sharing information on this website which serves 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 of Shoshone-Bannock Tribe.
Click here to view fraud videos.
We are excited to share the latest edition of the NIJII newsletter. This edition raises awareness about cultural preservation.
Vision and Mission Statements
Vision Statement
We envision a world where Indigenous cultures and people are respected, we treat each other honorably from an early age, and we grow old together with dignity. We believe we can achieve that vision by gathering Indigenous justice information that can be used to improve policies and programs to assist Indigenous people of all ages while we collaboratively work together in the spirit of inclusion.
Mission Statement
NIJII is based off the Annishinabe word niijii, meaning friend. We wish to be a friend and use our backgrounds and knowledge, our education and training, as well as our positions in the field and/or in academia to assist Indigenous people of the United States in identifying and improving the responses to their self-identified needs. All Indigenous people deserve the best opportunities to travel a self-determined “right path” free from hatred, violence, discrimination, neglect, exploitation, appropriation, or abuse. From neo-natal to the elderly - the individual should be respected and valued and have the resources they need to live fully and safely in their chosen community...... Read more
Connections
Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month
Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month is an opportunity to join the global conversation about the brain, Alzheimer’s disease, and other dementias. Everyone is at risk to develop Alzheimer’s. During the month of June, the Alzheimer’s Association asks people around the world to “go purple” and fight Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month is important because it provides a dedicated time to raise awareness about Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia, educate people about brain health, encourage early detection, support those affected by the disease, and promote proactive steps to maintain cognitive function throughout life, as there is currently no cure for Alzheimer's and early intervention can significantly improve quality of life for patients and their families. For preventive steps and more information about dementia and wandering, please check out our Back to Safety toolkit.
*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.