* * *MEDIA ADVISORY* * *

Conference Details:
WHO:  The two-state conference is co-sponsored by the US Attorney’s Office, District of North Dakota and District of South Dakota; the Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services; and the Department of Justice Office for Victims of Crime.   

It is open to  law enforcement officers, victim service providers, prosecutors, social workers, judges, physicians and other medical professionals, mental health therapists, counselors, educators, court service officers, corrections officers, child care providers, parents, community leaders, and other concerned individuals from the two-state region of North Dakota and South Dakota, especially those dealing with family violence issues in American Indian communities.

WHAT:  The Offering Hope to Victims in the Spirit of Justice conference will be held July 17-19, 2012 at the Holiday Inn in Fargo, ND.   The three-day conference is to provide culturally appropriate training to anyone who works with Native American victims of crime.  This is the 17th annual training conference for Victim Service Providers.
Opening remarks will be provided by Timothy Q. Purdon, US Attorney, District of North Dakota, and Brendan V. Johnson, US Attorney, District of South Dakota at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, July 17.  Press availability immediately following.

US Attorney Johnson is Chairman of the Justice Department’s Native American Issues Subcommittee, and US Attorney Purdon is the Vice-Chair.  Both US Attorneys have made the prosecution of violent crimes a top priority in their offices. 

WHEN: Tuesday through Thursday, July 17-19, 2012.  Agenda attached.

WHERE: Holiday Inn in Fargo, ND

Press Availability Following Opening Remarks by US Attorney Tim Purdon and US Attorney Brendan Johnson.