More names have been added to the list for the upcoming Fun Ball, Empowerment Workshop and Community Concert happening March 19 – 21.
Hosted by the Snxlhh Transition House and spearheaded by Melinda Mack, the community is invited to participate in all aspects of the weekend.
BC Lions football stars JR LaRose, Rolly Lumbala, and Will Loftus will be delivering workshops at both Acwsalcta and SAMS schools on March 19 and 20, respectively. The message is to be aimed ending domestic violence and violence against women.
There will be a Cultural Night at Nuxalk Hall on Friday, March 20 hosted by the Nuxalk Singers and Dancers at 7pm. On Saturday it’s time to get geared up for the Fun Ball Tournament in memory of Renee Leah Tallio. Teams are encouraged to dress up and convey a positive message. The BC Lions, Inez Jasper, Shane Yellowbird and the local RCMP will be playing to end violence against women.
The weekend will also be hosting two public health educators specializing in HIV/AIDS and outreach work.
Jessica Chenery is a community development practitioner who lives in and has Indigenous ancestry from the central Vancouver Island area – Shíshálh and Penelakut First Nations. She is currently working as an Educator with the BC Centre for Disease Control, Chee Mamuk Aboriginal Program.
Jessica coordinates the Around the Kitchen Table (ATKT) Project which trains women to engage other women in their communities in a series of educational sessions combining social, self-care and cultural activities with information on HIV, sexually transmitted infections and hepatitis.
Jessica’s passion and skill lie in supporting communities to build their capacity to address HIV/AIDS. Her previous work included community development, evaluation, facilitation and project management in the areas of food security, health promotion and small business training.
Sarah Levine is the HIV Nurse Educator for First Nations communities in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, for the VCH/PHC Hope to Health Initiative. Her role is to enhance HIV prevention, testing, treatment and support in First Nations communities. Before this, Sarah spent nine years as a Street Nurse in Vancouver’s downtown eastside, and worked in partnership with Chee Mamuk Aboriginal Program.
On Saturday night, March 21, the weekend will wind up with a free Coming Together Community Concert at Lobelco Hall at 7pm sponsored in part by the Bella Coola Music Festival. Everyone is welcome to attend this evening of music and motivational speeches. Rollah Mack will open the show and will be followed by Cree country music star Shane Yellowbird and pop music sensation Inez Jasper. For more information contact Melinda Mack at 250 320 4714 or melindanelson@hotmail.com
