Vanessa Yvette Niko, 35, was a member of the Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake Tribe in Upper Lake, California. She had a tumultuous on-off relationship with the father of three of her children, Willy Tujays Timmons, 37. On June 30th, 2017, her life was tragically taken away by someone who was supposed to love her.

Domestic violence can happen to anyone. Free, confidential support services dedicated to serving Native American and Alaska Native survivors and concerned family members and friends affected by domestic, dating, and sexual violence. Advocates are available 24/7 by texting or calling 1-844-7NATIVE (1-844-762-8483) or via online chat at strongheartshelpline.org. 

Sources:

Lake County News,California - Upper Lake man convicted of killing mother of his children in MMIW case (lakeconews.com)

Ending Violence Against Native Women | Indian Law Resource Center

Why Do Victims Stay? (ncadv.org)

Lake County News,California - Lake County News,California (lakeconews.com)

About – HPUL (hpultribe-nsn.gov)

Bloody Island massacre - Wikipedia

Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake - Wikipedia

Lake County News,California - Vanessa Niko (lakeconews.com)

Man Assaults, Kills Woman in Upper Lake Home (fox40.com)

https://www.lakeconews.com/news/69003-mural-dedication-honors-life-of-upper-lake-woman-raises-awareness-of-missing-and-murdered-indigenous-women

https://www.thehotline.org/get-help/native-american-domestic-violence/

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