Date changed for Sisters of our Spirit National Gathering in Enoch: Sept. 28-30

March 23, 2015…Treaty No. 6 (Edmonton, AB.)… Spirit of Our Sisters National Gathering in Enoch, AB has been postponed till September 2015. Due to circumstances beyond the control of the planning committees, the SOS Gathering had to reschedule the dates. All keynote speakers have committed to the new fall dates as well as invited guests and entertainers.

“It is unfortunate that we must postpone the Gathering. The Management of River Cree informed us of a critical issue with the Venue in which the event facility had to be immediately closed down. After meeting with management, we decided that postponing the event would be in all our best interests. Having the Gathering in Enoch is essential to maintaining the cultural and ceremonial aspect to this Gathering to ensure that delegates, guests and the families of MMIW have that opportunity to connect with the Elders and participate in the ceremonies,” stated Karen McCarthy, Conference Manager.

Spirit of Our Sisters National Gathering is at Edmonton Marriott at River Cree Resort in Enoch from September 28-30, 2015. The event begins with a Networking on the evening of the 28th. Sessions begin on Tuesday with the evening showcasing Indigenous talent at the Fundraising Gala. Wab Kinew, who is the MC for the Gala, will guide our evening of song, drumming, live flute performance, fiddling, and a healing ceremony with Jingle Dress Dancers from across Turtle Island, dancing to world renowned drum group NORTHERN CREE. Tantoo Cardinal will be the keynote for the Gala along with special invited family members of MMIW.

Alexander First Nation and Onion Lake Cree Nation are excited to be the Co-hosting Nations for Spirit of Our Sisters. The Gathering is guided by a Steering Committee, Advisory Council and Elder Council that will bring together community members, experts, dignitaries, elders and leaders to implement a grassroots action plan by sharing experiences and bringing solutions to this national crisis.  Throughout the Gathering, sessions will be offered throughout the two-day event with the following themes: Transforming the Past in the Present; Creating a Culture of Respect and Equality, Minimizing Risk with Focus on Prevention, Community Mobilization, and Dialoguing Solutions with Action Planning.

The SOS Gathering will create a forum for various stakeholders to collaborate and identify strategies for next steps and moving forward. Efforts are underway to raise funds through corporate sponsorships to help bring families to the Gathering.  All revenue generated from the Gala will be donated to an organization committed to improving the lives of Indigenous Families. The Working Committee has selected the AWO TAAN HEALING LODGE Society in Treaty No.7 (Calgary, Alberta).

If your organization, community/Nation is interested in sponsoring or attending, please visit the website at; www.sosgathering.ca . For information on the River Cree facility, visit the website at www.rivercreeresort.com