Ponca City, OK
The event will start off with a Cultural Prayer by the Chairman of the Ponca Tribe, Oliver Littlecook. Throughout this memorial, there will be native drumming and singing of sacred Ponca Songs.
Following the songs, Tara Tyler, Survivor Resource Network will read the Proclamation for National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.
Two survivors will tell their stories and be gifted a shawl, which is Ponca Custom Tradition.
Collaborative partners will be recognized by being given a certification of appreciation for their efforts in combating crime. Next, participants will be given a lighted lantern that will be released by the lake to Honor Crime Victims.
A Moment of Silence before release will be given by Ponca Tribal Victim Services Advocate, Abigail Ruff in honor of National Crime Victims' Rights Week.
There will be an opportunity for the participants to come up to the stage and share their families’ personal testimony/story. Then, finishing up the program, the drummers will drum sacred native songs to allow the participants to dance and heal from their trauma.
Many community members, survivors, and Tribal citizens from all of Kay County, and the surrounding counties are anticipated to attend this memorial honoring crime victims.