Veterans Affairs to host Virtual Tribal Women Veteran series

The U.S. Veterans Affairs Office of Tribal Government Relations, in collaboration with Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs Women Veterans Program, is hosting a series of virtual events for women veterans. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – The U.S. Veterans Affairs Office of Tribal Government Relations, in collaboration with Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs Women Veterans Program, is hosting a series of virtual events for women veterans.

The VA is calling the events the Summer Tribal Women Virtual Veteran Event series, plus one virtual roundtable discussion with Elizabeth Estabrooks, the VA director for the Center for Women Veterans. 

“This will be the first virtual series I have done this year for Tribal women veterans,” said Mary Culley, VA Office of Tribal Government Relations specialist in Oklahoma City. “In 2019, we had a Tribal Women Veteran Summit in person, but due to the pandemic had to cancel our event for 2020. I am excited about this series because women veterans specifically requested the topics for our three scheduled virtual discussions. I look forward to seeing the participation and involvement from our tribal women veterans and providers over the summer.” 

The series kicked off June 1, with a focus on “Marrying Tribal and Veteran Culture,” educating tribal citizens and female veterans about the gaps and barriers American Indian women encounter who served in the military. 

The next two virtual sessions, on June 22 and July 13, will focus on “Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Veterans and Sex Trafficking” and “Intimate Partner and Domestic Violence,” in addition to the June 23 Tribal Women Veterans Roundtable discussion. 

All virtual events are slated for 10 a.m. CST. To register, visit 2021 OK Tribal Women Veterans Events (office.com). The Zoom link is https://zoom.us/j/97275557278.

“I always enjoy working directly with the veterans we serve,” said Culley. “Even though I haven’t had the opportunity to meet face-to-face with tribal Veterans this past year, we did not let that hold us back. Creativity and virtual platforms helped us bridge the gap during such a challenging year.” 

For more information, call Culley at 405-626-3426 or email Mary.Culley@va.gov. Or call Lisa Mussett at 405-523-4020 or email lisa.mussett@odva.ok.gov.