Help is urgently needed for a special fundraising event in Canada, Right NOW!

When I lived outside Ottawa, Canada, from 2003 - 2006, I was fortunate to be included in the activities of the Iskotew Lodge, which served the First Nations and Aboriginal community, and Ottawa at large, through outreach activities, cultural ceremonies, healing traditions, and arts and learning programs.

Many women take on roles as teachers, healers, and leaders in First Nations societies all across Canada (and in the US).

Beverley Sunday is one such leader. To quote from the email I received from the Iskotew Lodge, "Beverley is building an Aboriginal-inspired health and wellness fitness studio in Ottawa to empower generations of all ethnicities to take back their health and create stronger families and communities. Its grand opening is scheduled to occur this spring."

Actually, if you watched the Winter Olympics in Canada this year, each of you in EVOKE may have seen her. Beverley Sunday was one of the Aboriginal Dancers at the Opening Ceremonies of the Olympics.

Shortly after the Olympics Ceremonies, on February 19th, Beverley Sunday and her husband Joseph Sayer were in a car accident. They are each still in the hospital, recovering from massive head trauma. Beverley and Joseph have three young children, currently being cared for by family and First Nations support circles.

In an effort to keep the three young children safe and at home, and to offset the ongoing medical costs, the community has gathered to establish a trust, and raise funds.

The women in the Aboriginal community joined to organize fundraising events through

If you can assist, please read the (excerpted) letter below, and check the links on facebook.

"Please send on this invite to anyone you know who likes to buy art (we have
some amazing donations), or simply come to show your support. The
entertainment will be provided by David Finkle and snacks supplied by
Aboriginal Experiences. Some of the artwork is being previewed at The
Sweetgrass Bistro (on Murray street) this week.

All proceeds will go to the Sunday- Sayer Family Fund to cover the basic
running costs of their home and care for their children. There will be a $5
entry fee at the door...please come and support our efforts.

I will be attending as well, and have donated a special jewellery piece for
auction. They have already received over 80 art donations, so it promises
to be an event worth attending.

Beverley is well known and loved, and the Aboriginal community has come
together in impressive force and generosity to show their support for a
long term effort. Anything you can do to help get the word out would be
greatly appreciated.

Thank You.

Wendy Ellingwood
Receptionist
Office of the Deputy Minister
Health Canada
Tel. 613-948-8669 "

You can also seek information from Christine Chapman, Iskotew Lodge Program Coordinator,

in Ottawa, Ontario; Tel: 613.957.3216; Fax: 613.948.4674; iskotew@hc-sc.gc.ca

The objective of mission 6 is to "Help empower one girl or woman with better access to education or economic opportunity. Make a small donation that can change another person's life forever...

Joining in to empower Beverley in this hour of extreme need, her children, her friends, the strong women and men of the Aboriginal Community can make a difference in many lives, forever. Thank you for your consideration.