September 27, 2013 –
Shawls are important as they offer protection and comfort during times of celebration like the one seen above. Shawls can also offer protection and comfort during times of adversity as well.
MAYETTA: A Shawls of Honor Project that will incorporate the traditional shawl as a visual representation of individuals who have been impacted by domestic violence is being sponsored by the PBPN Tribal Victim Services (TVS) program as part of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
People who are interested in creating a shawl will be given materials to create them if they register by next Tuesday with Shirley Rice, who is on the Tribal Victims Services staff, by calling 785.966.8340. A day of sewing and creating the shawls will also occur on Sat. Oct. 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Tribal Victim Services Art Studio which is located in the Old Tribal Court Building (east of Fire Station). It should also be noted that materials will be available to honor men who have been impacted by domestic violence.
Shawls that are made will be featured at the Big Bear Moon New Year’s Pow-wow that will be hosted by the TVS on New Year’s eve.
In addition, the TVS is sponsoring a series of events in October in recognition of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. On the morning of Oct. 5 they will hold a Walk a Mile in Their Mocs outdoor walk, and on Oct. 19-20 they will sponsor a 24-hour Splatters That Matter art marathon that will take place at the Bingo Hall beginning at 6 p.m. They will close out the month on Oct. 26 when the TVS staff joins other PBPN departments and programs for the annual Trunk or Treat halloween event held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Prairie Peoples Park.
The Prairie Band Tribal Victim Services program won national acclaim last spring in Washington, D.C. where they were personally honored by U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder and given an award for their work in assisting and supporting victims of crime through their healing through art program.
For more information on the activities and events call Daniel Goombi at 785.966.8343.