“Honouring Our Drum” and “Every Child Matters” were the themes of a special powwow hosted Monday, by the Yorkton Tribal Council, at the Gallagher Centre.

A new ceremonial drum was introduced at the powwow, with dancers of all ages joining together in celebration, something YTC Tribal Chief Isabel O’Soup says is important, noting that in First Nation culture, events and ceremonies aren’t geared toward specific age groups, but toward the family and community as a whole.

Chief O’Soup added that YTC staff, elders and member nations worked hard to bring the drum to the community, noting it’s another step on the way to reconciliation and reclaiming their language, culture and identity.

The theme of young people increasingly taking on leadership roles at a young age was also noted.

Dignitaries on hand included Yorkton Mayor Mitch Hippsley and Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations Third Vice Chief Aly Bear.