Community Honoured Survivors and Celebrated Culture at FNUniv’s Annual Smudge Walk & Powwow

Regina, SK – The First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv) welcomed Survivors, Elders, students, and community members to its Regina Campus today for the Annual Smudge Walk and Late Tony Cote Welcome Back Powwow. The gathering honoured Indian Residential School Survivors and the children who never returned home, while celebrating resilience, culture, and community spirit.

The day began with a Pipe Ceremony in the Ceremonial Tipi, followed by hundreds of participants joining the Smudge Walk around the FNUniv and University of Regina campuses. Orange shirts were distributed by Co-operators, with water provided by Scotiabank, as community members walked together in reflection and unity.

The morning program in the Atrium featured remarks from Dr. Jacqueline Ottmann, President of FNUniv; Dr. Jeff Keshen, President of the University of Regina; Kacheena Naytowhow, FNUniv Board of Governors; Kelsey Olson of K+S Potash Canada; and Residential School Survivor Yvonne Fourhorns.

“My story was not just my own, it was part of our collective memory,” said Yvonne Fourhorns, Residential School Survivor. “When we walked together today, we honoured the children who never came home, and we reminded the world that we are still here, carrying forward strength and healing.”

In recognition of her courage and strength in sharing her story, Yvonne Fourhorns was gifted a Starblanket, a powerful symbol of honour and respect in Indigenous tradition.

The program concluded with an Honour Song before the community gathered for a free lunch at noon.

In the afternoon, the Late Tony Cote Welcome Back Powwow filled the campus with song, dance, and cultural celebration. Grand Entry took place at 1:00 PM, honouring the late Tony Cote, with Powwow categories including Traditional, Fancy, Grass, Chicken, and Jingle, as well as special competitions like the crowd-favourite Dinosaur Special. The celebration wrapped up at 4:00 PM, leaving the community uplifted and united.

“This day was about honouring Survivors, remembering those who did not make it home, and celebrating our strength, culture, and community together,” said Dr. Jacqueline Ottmann, President of FNUniv. “It was a reminder of resilience, healing, and the importance of gathering in ceremony.”

“This event was made possible because of the strength and spirit of our community coming together,” added Natalie Langan, Smudge Walk organizer. “Walking side-by-side showed that healing and reconciliation are not only remembered, but lived in action.”

The first 200 attendees received orange shirts in recognition of Orange Shirt Day.

FNUniv extended its gratitude to K+S Potash Canada, Scotiabank, South Saskatchewan Community Foundation, University of Regina, and Co-operators for supporting this meaningful day.