Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, today announced more than $2.5 million in federal grants to three Northwest Washington tribes to assist victims and enhance public safety. The U.S. Department of Justice grants will go to the Tulalip Tribes, Nooksack Indian Tribe and Lummi Nation.

“These federal dollars will go directly to improving safety in our tribal communities and providing care for victims,” Larsen said. “Our tribes are working hard to improve safety in their communities, and these grants are an important source of support.”

Lummi Nation will receive two grants made possible by the Violence Against Women Act of 2005. These grants will provide civil legal support for Native women who are subject to violence and engage men in the fight against domestic violence and sexual assault. Larsen has been pushing to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act and extend its full protections to tribal communities.

“I am pleased the Lummi Nation will be able to use the Violence Against Women Act to curtail domestic violence,” Larsen added. “The Violence Against Women Act has saved thousands of women’s lives and has made sure that domestic abusers meet justice. We have an opportunity to strengthen that law now, extending its protections to vulnerable tribal, LGBT, and other marginalized communities. I will keep working to make sure Congress passes this important legislation.”

A summary of the grants follows. For more information on specific grants, call (202) 225-2605.

Tulalip Tribes

• $497,546 – Tribal Youth Program

Nooksack Indian Tribe

• $465,763 – Tribal Youth Program

Lummi Nation

• $998,562 – Corrections and Correctional Alternatives Program
• $300,000 – Engaging Men in Preventing Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking Grant Program
• $298,717 – Legal Assistance for Victims Grant Program