Aquinnah Headwaters, a building project by Kinship Heals to house and serve Native American survivors of domestic assault and sexual violence, received two “major gifts” to fund their efforts, according to a press release Tuesday.
Aquinnah Headwaters was unanimously approved by the Martha’s Vineyard Commission in August; the projected project total is $17.67 million.
A donation of $300,000 came from the Kataly Foundation Mindfulness and Healing Justice Program. The same program previously gave $500,000 to Kinship Heals to purchase the land. Additionally, an anonymous donor gave $3 million to the building project. According to the press release, an additional $3.5 million was previously secured for the project.
“Kinship Heals needs to raise an additional $11 million and is looking to start construction early fall of 2027,” the press release stated.
Kinship Heals is a nonprofit in Aquinnah that provides crisis intervention and support as well as prevention and education for Native Americans who have experienced partner violence, stalking, sexual assault, and sex trafficking.
Data from Kinship Heals show that 85 percent of indigenous women have experienced violence of some kind. While more than half of Native American women have experienced sexual violence, there are ony 58 shelters in the country that provide support and housing for them. Aquinnah Headwaters would be the first in Massachusetts.
“Massachusetts is home to multiple federal and state recognized tribes as well as historic
tribes and individuals from other tribal nations,” the release stated. “There are currently no native shelters in the state, making this project imperative for the safety and well-being for these communities.”
