Lummi Tribal Staff Recognized for Outstanding Work with Victims of Crime

            The Lummi Nation’s Crime Victims Unit and Lummi Police Detective Kelley Long were recognized this week by U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan for their outstanding work with crime victims.  The Lummi Victims of Crime Unit was established 23 years ago and has 14 staff members working to assist those who have suffered domestic violence, abuse, assault or other victimization.  U.S. Attorney Durkan made the presentation Tuesday June 4, 2013 at a meeting of the Lummi Nation Tribal Council.

            “Nothing is more important than the care we provide to those who have been touched by crime and violence,” said U.S. Attorney Durkan.  “The staff of the Lummi Victims of Crime Office dedicates their services to helping families who are at their lowest point – often coping with terrible loss.  On behalf of all the attorneys and the victim/witness coordinators in my office, I want to thank the Lummi staff and the tribe for all they do to help the victims heal and to help us hold the perpetrators accountable.”

            The presentation was a surprise for the Victims of Crime staff members including Victim Advocates Winona Boxberger, Irenee Owings, Olivia Solomon, Charlene Casimir-George, and Terrence “TJ” Adams.  Two attorneys who assist tribal members in contested family law matters: Michelle Hull and Ben Pratt, and their legal assistant Malcolm Owings.  And four staff members who work at the Lummi shelter were recognized: Lorayne Dennis, Tanya McCutchen, Tracy Douglas, and Patty John.  Office staff Misty Cisimir and Andrea Johnson were also recognized.

            Nikki Finkbonner, the Program Coordinator for the Victims of Crime Office accepted the certificate on behalf of her staff.  The Lummi Victims of Crime Office provides comprehensive victim services including: domestic violence, sexual abuse/assault, teen dating violence, stalking, and emergency shelter.  The Lummi Victims of Crime Department provides direct services including crisis counseling, follow-up contacts, therapy counseling, group treatment, legal assistance, personal advocacy, compensation claims, transportation, transitional housing, emergency shelter, and death notifications with Law Enforcement.

            U.S. Attorney Durkan also applauded the excellent work of Lummi Tribal Detective Kelley Long who has worked closely with the FBI to investigate crimes that are forwarded to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for prosecution.  The Lummi Tribal Police Department has approximately 20 commissioned officers.

            The Lummi Nation is a self-governing, federally recognized Indian Tribe.  The Lummis are the third largest tribe in Washington State, serving over 5,000 members whose median age is 29 years old.