(KNZA)--The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation’s Tribal Council has issued a proclamation declaring October 2013 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month on the reservation as a way to support and honor individuals who have been affected by domestic violence in their lives.  In addition, several events are being held in support of calling attention to the impact of domestic violence on the reservation and sponsored by the Tribal Victim Services program. 
To kick off the month, a Walk a Mile in Their Moc fun walk was held in Prairie Peoples Park on October 5.  The following Saturday, a Shawls of Honor Project day was held where people came together to create traditional shawls in honor of victims of domestic violence that will be worn during the Big Bear Moon pow-wow scheduled for New Year’s eve at the Bingo Hall. 
Other events coming up include the second annual Splatters that Matter Art Marathon that will run for 24-hours beginning at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19.  Members of the community are invited to come to the Bingo Hall and create a work of art where the materials are provided by the Tribal Victim Services staff.  The art experience can be used as a way to heal through making art.  In addition, there will be music and refreshments available all night and into the next day until the event ends at 6 p.m. on Sunday.   The healing through arts program that the PBPN began in 2010 was nationally recognized for its innovativeness last year in Washington, D.C. by the Department of Justice as one of the top 12 programs in the country.  
To round out the month, the Tribal Victim Services program will join several other PBPN departments and programs in sponsoring the annual Trunk or Treat event for children and their families.  The fun starts at 6 p.m. in Prairie Peoples Park and will include haunted trail rides, Halloween costume contests, food and more that will end after dark. 
It should also be noted that the PBP Health Center Dental Office is also participating in a buy-back program where children can bring in bags of unwrapped candy and receive $1 each per pound.  The program runs from Nov. 4-Nov. 8 and the candy brought in will be sent to military troops overseas.
Event fliers are available on the tribe’s website at www.pbpindiantribe.com or for full details call Daniel Goombi at 785.966.8343.