fbpx
facebook app symbol  twitter  linkedin  instagram 1
 

The National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition on Thursday released the following announcment:

Dear Relative,

The Franciscan Friars of California, Inc. has determined that at least seven Native American tribes in Arizona and New Mexico are eligible to file claims against the Franciscan Province of St. Barbara for clergy sexual abuse as part of its ongoing Chapter 11 bankruptcy case.

  • The Franciscan Friars of California, Inc. filed for bankruptcy on December 31, 2023, due to facing 94 new abuse claims, mostly from California.
  • The Bankruptcy Court has extended the deadline for filing proofs of claim to August 30, 2024.

Your Voice Matters: The strength and courage to report abuse is vital. If you or someone you know is a survivor, please file your claim to receive support. 

Never miss Indian Country’s biggest stories and breaking news. Sign up to get our reporting sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. 

To find information about the Franciscan Friars of California's bankruptcy case, including instructions on proofs of claim click HERE
If you or someone you know has experienced abuse, please reach out to the StrongHearts Native Helpline at 1-844-762-8483 or by visiting StrongHearts Native Helpline. This confidential and anonymous service is available 24/7 and offers culturally appropriate support for Native Americans dealing with domestic and sexual violence.

More Stories Like This

Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. Briefs
Native News Weekly (August 4, 2024): D.C. Briefs
Federal Government Shutdown Averted: How Native Americans in Congress Voted
CALL TO ACTION: The Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act Needs Immediate Action
Q&A with Outgoing Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland

Can we take a minute to talk about tribal sovereignty?

Sovereignty isn't just a concept – it's the foundation of Native nations' right to govern, protect our lands, and preserve our cultures. Every story we publish strengthens tribal sovereignty.

Unlike mainstream media, we center Indigenous voices and report directly from Native communities. When we cover land rights, water protection, or tribal governance, we're not just sharing news – we're documenting our living history and defending our future.

Our journalism is powered by readers, not shareholders. If you believe in the importance of Native-led media in protecting tribal sovereignty, consider supporting our work today. 

Right now, your support goes twice as far. Thanks to a generous $35,000 matching fund, every dollar you give during December 2024 will be doubled to protect sovereignty and amplify Native voices.

No paywalls. No corporate owners. Just independent, Indigenous journalism.

About The Author
Native News Online Staff
Author: Native News Online StaffEmail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Native News Online is one of the most-read publications covering Indian Country and the news that matters to American Indians, Alaska Natives and other Indigenous people. Reach out to us at [email protected].