Marlene Bird to be remembered at memorial feast and round dance
Family and friends will gather in Prince Albert this week to remember Marlene Bird at a memorial event that has also become part of the healing process for Bird’s long-time partner.
Patrick LaVallee is helping to organize the feast and round dance this Friday at the Prince Albert Indian Metis Friendship Centre. The event comes one year after Bird died in hospital at the age of 50.
Bird was severely injured in an attack in 2014 that left her beaten and badly burned. The attack damaged Bird’s eyesight and forced the amputation of both her legs. Following the attack, LaVallee helped care for her, both in Prince Albert and north of the city in Timber Bay, where they have relatives.
LaVallee’s sister said her older brother has been working hard to improve his life since Bird’s passing. Speaking from her home in British Columbia, Linda LaVallee said Patrick has been keeping away from alcohol, is getting counselling, and is busy making tote bags to sell at the event this week to help cover costs.