At the event, local community members, organizations, groups, families, and children join in a Native American Social Dance Circle.

The CREATE Project has announced an event to be at Dunkirk Memorial Park on July 30 from 1 to 3 p.m., to capture footage for the documentary film, “Tradition, Trauma, & Tenderness.”

The purpose of the “Tradition, Trauma, & Tenderness” film is to educate communities about trauma; its impact on children; and how traditions, shared in a tender, nurturing environment, can help children heal and grow.

At the event, local community members, organizations, groups, families, and children join in a Native American Social Dance Circle. All community organizations that choose to participate will be given the opportunity to be filmed with a sign that allows them to identify their organization and will be named in the documentary credits.

“Having our community members be a part of this documentary, in such an important way, will show Chautauqua County’s commitment to eliminating child trauma, abuse, and neglect. This event will also serve as a meeting place for kids, parents, senior citizens, school administrators, faith communities, and other community-based organizations to experience a sense of community through dance and tradition, no matter their age or cultural background.” says Valerie Walawender, CREATE Project Lead Artist, Founder.

Footage will be captured by a videographer on the ground (Alex Simmons) and drone photography by Warrior Flight Team (licensed drone pilots). Light refreshments will be served and activities will be available in between takes for the children.

Media releases will be made available at the event for all those who choose to participate. When the film is complete, it will be made available for free to the public.

If you or your organization would like to participate in this event, please visit create-project.com to register.

The CREATE Project mission is to encourage and support arts-based community initiatives dedicated to helping our community become free of child trauma, abuse, and neglect, and to become a place where children can thrive. We do this through arts-based collaborations, education, support, and outreach. CREATE is an acronym for: “Child Responsive Empowering Art Through Everyone.”