On March 20 and 21 there will be a Nâtawihowin (ᓈᑕᐃᐧᐦᐅᐃᐧᐣ) Family Gathering For Our Missing and Murdered Loved Ones at Grande Prairie’s Evergreen Park’s ENTREC Centre. On behalf of Alberta Justice and Solicitor General Victim Services, Thunderbird Inc is hosting this family gathering for those who have a connection with a missing or murdered loved one. The goal of the family gathering is to bring Alberta families together in a safe place where they have an opportunity to share with each other about what has been helpful and meaningful for them in understanding the loss of their loved one. In coming together as a group, the families create a community that they are able to draw strength from, and this strength creates resilience and healing. Although the focus will be on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, it is acknowledged that our men and boys are also victims, and that this effects all races and cultures, so everyone is welcome.
Objectives for this event include:
• Ensuring families learn about systems, resources, and supports;
• Providing information about how the loss of their loved one impacts their family and what strategies are available to address this;
• Offering families, a venue to speak with Elders and helping professionals;
• Ensuring family members have an opportunity to provide feedback about their justice system experience, where cultural support is available to assist;
• Providing a barrier free gathering to minimize obstacles to their participation (no cost to families);
• Providing families with support and guidance from Elders on Grief and Loss;
• Assisting family members who want to smudge for grounding and healing;
• Creating a safe place for families to partake in Indigenous teachings and sharing circles with the Elders.
An emotional support team is being put together to provide support for participants of the event. In return for volunteering a few hours each day, you are able to attend the various sessions, enjoy 2 lunches and 1 supper, and attend the Tea Dance at no cost. A few days prior to the event there will be a brief orientation for all support providers to participate in, so that we are all consistent in our approach.
If you would like to volunteer in this capacity please contact Michelle at Michelle.Grant@gov.ab.ca or (780) 538-5475.
Objectives for this event include:
• Ensuring families learn about systems, resources, and supports;
• Providing information about how the loss of their loved one impacts their family and what strategies are available to address this;
• Offering families, a venue to speak with Elders and helping professionals;
• Ensuring family members have an opportunity to provide feedback about their justice system experience, where cultural support is available to assist;
• Providing a barrier free gathering to minimize obstacles to their participation (no cost to families);
• Providing families with support and guidance from Elders on Grief and Loss;
• Assisting family members who want to smudge for grounding and healing;
• Creating a safe place for families to partake in Indigenous teachings and sharing circles with the Elders.
An emotional support team is being put together to provide support for participants of the event. In return for volunteering a few hours each day, you are able to attend the various sessions, enjoy 2 lunches and 1 supper, and attend the Tea Dance at no cost. A few days prior to the event there will be a brief orientation for all support providers to participate in, so that we are all consistent in our approach.
If you would like to volunteer in this capacity please contact Michelle at Michelle.Grant@gov.ab.ca or (780) 538-5475.
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Title: |
Nâtawihowin (ᓈᑕᐃᐧᐦᐅᐃᐧᐣ) Family Gathering - For Our Missing & Murdered Loved Ones |
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When: |
March 20 and 21, 2018 |
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Location: |
Grande Prairie, Alberta |
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Type: |
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Practice Area: |
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Contact Email: |
Michelle.Grant@gov.ab.ca |
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Contact Name: |
Michelle Grant |
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Contact Organization: |
Community and Social Services |
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Contact Phone: |
780-538-5426 |
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Contact Website: |
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Continuing Competency Code: |
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Date Posted: |
March 02, 2018 |