Interview with Elena Giacci
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In this powerful episode of Generation Justice, host Elijah speaks with Elena Giacci, a Diné Nation advocate with over 35 years of experience in violence against women and historical trauma. Giacci shares the origins and significance of New Mexico Senate Memorial 14, a groundbreaking legislative effort aimed at addressing the forced and coerced sterilization of Indigenous women and other women of color. She details how systemic racism, colonialism, and the legacy of U.S. Indian Health Service abuses have led to reproductive violations that persist today. Drawing from personal stories, historical context, and her work at the United Nations, Giacci emphasizes the importance of truth-telling, survivor-centered advocacy, and global solidarity. Her emotional testimony underscores the resilience of Indigenous women and the urgent need for accountability, justice, and healing. The conversation culminates in a profound message of validation and empowerment for survivors.
Forced and coerced sterilization of Indigenous women has been a systemic issue rooted in colonialism, racism, and lack of reproductive autonomy.
Senate Memorial 14 in New Mexico is historic for creating a task force to investigate and honor victims, setting a national precedent.
Survivors are not to blame—systemic failures, language barriers, and medical coercion are the real culprits.
Advocacy must be led by survivors and grounded in intergenerational healing and community strength.
Global recognition at the United Nations has amplified Indigenous voices and validated the need for justice worldwide.
Introduction to Elena Giacci and Senate Memorial 14
“The idea of having a task force or the idea of having a memorial to honor those victims, survivors and families of those survivors is unheard of.”
Origins of Senate Memorial 14 and the Power of Collaboration
Giacci recounts how her partnership with Keeley Badger, a researcher on forced sterilization, sparked the initiative. She highlights the role of key legislators and community organizations like Indigenous Women Rising and the ACLU in advancing the memorial.
Understanding Forced vs. Coerced Sterilization
“They may understand that they're doing a surgery like a cesarean section or something like that but they don't understand the other components that were in that form.”
Historical Trauma and Systemic Injustice
“When you look at the United Nations and their definition of what genocide is, you pretty much start ticking off everything that they have done to our people.”
Global Advocacy at the United Nations
“The first three minutes were talking about the sterilization of indigenous people, and I will tell you can't ask for anything better than that.”
“Thank you for being my family.”
“When you look at the United Nations and their definition of what genocide is, you pretty much start ticking off everything that they have done to our people.”
“You're not to blame. I honor your courage and strength because you're hearing this. It means you've lived another day. You're amazing.”
Host
Guest
Elena Giacci
person
Diné Nation
other
New Mexico Senate Memorial 14
other
United Nations
other
Indian Health Service
other
Keeley Badger
person
Albuquerque Rape Crisis Center
organization
Special Rapporteur
other
American Indian Movement West
organization
Gene Whitehorse
person
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