Cramer then stated that he wanted to “ring the Tribal council’s neck and slam them against the wall.” This statement was made in front of a room full of people who are working to end violence. Again, he went on and on about how Tribal governments are dysfunctional, and how unconstitutional the Tribal provisions in VAWA are. At this point, the other Directors began to get up and walk out of the room. Cramer focused on how he thought a non-Native man would be treated unfairly in the Tribal Court.

He then said, “As a non-Native man, I do not feel secure stepping onto the reservation now.”

I asked, “Why? What are you going to do?”

I know full well VAWA Tribal provisions only give Tribes limited jurisdiction over adult non-Native men who commit violent crimes against our Native women. He said he “just don’t feel secure now.”

I told him, “Don’t beat up our women and you will be fine.”

As he got up to leave, Cramer saw how upset the other Native woman in the room was. He grabbed her without her consent, hugging her. Then he said, “I love you.”