By Michael Joel-Hansen

Round Dance honours late Marlene Bird

Dec 1, 2018 | 9:07 AM

Friends and family came together Friday evening to honour and remember the late Marlene Bird.

Bird passed away last year in Prince Albert. Her death came after she survived a vicious attack in 2014.

The round dance was organized by Bird’s former partner Patrick LaVallee, with help from his family. Patrick’s sister, Linda LaVallee told paNOW that they were happy with the support they received from the community.

“I am just amazed at how many people have come, and they say that this is just a small number and more people are supposed to show up later on, so we’re just getting more excited,” she said.

Before the round dance there was a pipe ceremony. The event as well had a 50/50 draw, an item raffle, and giveaways.

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LaVallee said the round dance was especially important for her brother, who along with being Bird’s partner also helped take care of her.

“I think it’s the first step, especially for my brother Patrick, (who) misses her terribly, that this is the first step for him to start the healing process,” she said.

LaVallee said dancing can be very powerful from a cultural standpoint and that a lot of prayer is put into the ceremony.

“We do need a lot of healing, whether it’s for my brother or anybody that’s out there,” she said.

MichaelJoel.Hansen@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @mjhskcdn