Huy means see you again/we never say goodbye.
Huy Cares is a small, focused and dedicated organization providing economic, educational, rehabilitative and religious support for incarcerated Indigenous peoples in the Pacific Northwest and throughout the United States.
As a frame of reference it is important to understand that 15% of those incarcerated today are indigenous people while they represent 1% of the population in the United States. Huy Cares was founded by a Seattle attorney, Gabe Galanda--activist and Chairman of the Huy Board of Advisors.
HUY Cares works to address and raise awareness about the many challenges faced by indigenous peoples who are incarcerated across the United States. They are able to positively impact indigenous communities through strong partnerships with indigenous organizations, their leaders, the court system and those in administrative positions in prisons. By working closely with these groups, Huy Cares is able to ensure that their efforts are aligned with the needs and priorities of those in prison. Individual members of their advisory team work with the challenge based on the needs of the case.
Recent activity at Huy Cares:
November 19, 2022
Prison powwows in Washington state restart after a 2-year break because of COVID
November 8, 2022
UN Adopts Huy’s Indigenous Prisoner Religious Rights Findings
November 18, 2022
Native inmates in Washington happy to see prison powwows return
November 18, 2022
UN Adopts Huy’s Indigenous Prisoner Religious Rights Findings
May 11, 2022
On behalf of Huy, Mr. Galanda urged Mr. Shaheed to call upon the United States to address its violations of Indigenous prisoners' religious freedoms and to take immediate action to protect the religious freedoms of Indigenous prisoners.
May 2021
Indigenous Prisoner Religious Rights Organization Awarded $50,000 Grant
Huy has received a $50,000 grant in recognition of its efforts to help rehabilitate Indigenous prisoners and prepare them for successful reentry into society. The award comes as Huy has catalyzed the Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC) to restore Indigenous sweat lodge ceremonies and expand other group spiritual opportunities statewide amid the pandemic.
“[I]t shall be the policy of the United States to protect and preserve for American Indians their inherent right of freedom to believe, express, and exercise the traditional religions of the American Indian, Eskimo, Aleut, and Native Hawaiians, including but not limited to access to sites, use and possession of sacred objects, and the freedom to worship through ceremonials and traditional rites."
American Indian Religious Freedoms Act, 42 U.S.C. 1996
To support Huy Cares and learn more, visit their website.