The award was presented to Cindy Pennington, vice chairwoman of the Alaska Native Women Sexual Assault Committee, and Denise Morris, chairwoman, president and chief executive of the Alaska Native Justice Center.

Pennington and Morris were scheduled to receive the award April 19 in Washington, D.C., during national Crime Victims' Rights Week.

The award honors innovations, commitment and effectiveness by individuals and organizations helping crime victims.

The Alaska Native Women Sexual Assault Committee was formed in January 1999 to address the high percentage of Alaska Native women who are victims of sexual violence in Anchorage. The committee aims to reduce sexual violence against Alaska Native women and increase community awareness through research, education and outreach.