Oklahoma tribes to share in grant to fight abuse against Indian women

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Ten Oklahoma Indian tribes will share $6.35 million with 72 other tribes throughout the nation in the U.S.

Department of Justice's effort to help Indian women who are victims of domestic and sexual abuse.

The STOP Violence Against Indian Women funds will assist law enforcement officers and prosecutors who investigate and prosecute cases involving violence against Indian women.

"With the increase in funding to tribal communities authorized by the Violence Against Women Act of 2000, we can build on our efforts to help this underserved population," said Bonnie Campbell, director of the Violence Against Women Office, which administers the funds.

The Osage Nation received the highest award given to Oklahoma tribes: $179,131. The Miami Tribe will get $88,878; the Chickasaw Nation will receive $81,686 and the Ponca Tribe will get $81,476.

The Muscogee Creek Nation will receive $75,723; the Sac & Fox Tribe will get $74,622; the Apache Tribe of Oklahoma will get $63,849 and the Tonkawa Tribe will get $62,725.

The Cheyenne-Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma will receive $47,251 and the Quapaw Tribe will get $39,951, the office reported.