HEALING AND RECONCILIATION FOR COMMUNITIES AND FAMILIES
Every Inner-Child Matters – Honouring Residential School Survivors
Ocean Man First Nation, an Assiniboine, Cree and Saulteaux band located near Stoughton, Saskatchewan, hosted their 2023 Pow Wow from September 8-9, 2023.

Themed “Every Inner-Child Matters”, the Pow Wow honoured Residential School Survivors and those on the path to recovery, fostering healing and unity through sharing dance, cultural ceremony, language and other traditions.
Funding from the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund (IRF) backed the Ocean Man First Nation to make this event possible. A range of initiatives were supported, including a special memorial ceremony honouring Residential School Survivors, the Drum Group, recognition for the Golden Age categories, commemorative orange shirts and shirts for the staff and attendees, as well as other Pow Wow expenses.
Throughout the Pow Wow weekend, Ocean Man First Nation culture was celebrated with dance, drumming, singing, spoken languages, traditional foods and practices, encouraging healing and reconciliation.
Dialogue between spiritual Elders and youth during the memorial ceremony and all through the Pow Wow offered insights and reflections on the impact of residential schools, igniting discussions about spirituality, self-determination, reconciliation and the way forward.
About Ocean Man First Nation
Ocean Man First Nation in south-eastern Saskatchewan has a unique history, including a successful land claim against the federal government that led to the re-establishment of the band and its reserve. The community, known for having the first-ever all-female elected Chief and Council in Canada, is led by Chief Connie Big Eagle and boasts over 500 registered members. The Nation’s economy is based on agriculture, off-reserve employment, solar, and gas and oil revenue.
Archdiocese of Regina
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