Clan Star, Inc., a not-for-profit organization incorporated under the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in 2001, devoted to improving justice to strengthen the sovereignty of Indigenous women through legal, legislative, and policy initiatives, and, education and awareness;

Clan Star provides technical assistance, training and consultation throughout the United States to Indian tribes and tribal organizations in the development of public policy strategies addressing violence against women. CSI was instrumental in the establishment of the National Congress of American Indians Task Force on Violence Against Women in 2003 and since that time has served as policy advisors to the Task Force. Highlights of CSI’s national efforts include the filing of Amicus Briefs in the following two national cases. In the Plains Commerce Bank Case before the US Supreme Court, the amicus brief addressed tribal jurisdiction over non-Indians in cases of domestic or sexual violence. In the Jessica Gonzales Case before Inter-American Court, our brief informed the court of outstanding human rights violations of American Indian women beaten, raped, trafficked and murdered due to institutional legal barriers. CSI served an essential role in the development of public policy that led to the enactment of Title IX, Safety for Indian Women in the Violence Against Women Act of 2005. CSI works with Indian tribes, tribal organizations and non-profit tribal programs advocating for the safety of Native women. It is one of few national organizations based on tribal land.

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Mission

“Traditionally, Indigenous Life Ways, Beliefs and Practices recognized the unique role of and the respect for all living things. In this context, Indigenous Women are respected; any abuse is not traditional and is not acceptable.

Indigenous Justice continues to ensure safety and balance in Life Ways for Indigenous Women and their Children.

As Daughters of the Land, Indigenous Women are in a reciprocal relationship with Mother Earth through Kinship, Ceremonies, Traditions, Language, Sustenance and Commit to do No Harm. Following the Ancestral Women’s Teachings, we Protect the Trust of Indigenous Life Ways through the Generosity of Selflessness, Advocacy and Sovereignty.”

Vision

“Improving Justice to Strengthen the Sovereignty of Indigenous Women”