Muscowpetung Saulteaux Nation hosts ceremony for youth in childcare as part of Cheekuk Days

WATCH: Muscowpetung Saulteaux Nation hosted a homecoming ceremony for a group of youth who had been taken into the child welfare system. Mick Favel reports.

A special ceremony for youth currently in the childcare system was held on Muscowpetung Saulteaux Nation as part of Cheekuk Days.

The community invited outside members to the weeklong celebration, including four youth who travelled from British Colombia.

Melissa Tavita is the Chief of Muscowpetung Saulteaux Nation. She said leadership has been working to get all of their youth in care acquainted with the nation and their culture.

“This is where you are from. You can always learn your history, culture, who your people are,” she explained.

• Download the CTV News app to get breaking news alerts sent to your device

Barbara Feiss has raised her son since he was six weeks old. She said her family has tried to get him connected with the nation, eventually starting correspondence.

Muscowpetung has since helped pay for the son’s sports fees.

The trip to Saskatchewan has been an emotional experience for the family.

“I love it because he is now starting to meet family and making friends. You can’t put a price on that,” Feiss said.

The Bringing Our Children Home ceremony coincided with Cheekuk Days, a time to honour Muscowpetung Saulteaux Nation being a part of Treaty 4 for 150 years.

A new event arbor has been built where the nation is hosting its first annual powwow celebration.

In the years to come, leadership plans to continue bring more youth in care out to the nation.

“This year is only the start. We are hoping to make sure everyone that belongs to Muscowpetung … That they know this is where home is,” Tavita said.

Cheekuk Days concludes on Saturday. There are a number of special guests planned to visit the community.