In southeastern Saskatchewan, Ocean Man First Nation and Southeast College are partnering to provide programs that help residents grow their skills and strengthen the community. Council member and health counselor Frederick Big Eagle recently participated, focusing on improving his computer and counseling abilities to better serve his community.
Reflecting on the experience, Big Eagle said, “I took a few things there that were just basically just to help me be a better counselor, I gained everything that I wanted out of this program.” He noted that while other students explored advanced areas like graphic design and website creation, the program gave him practical tools to enhance his role as a counselor.
Big Eagle also spoke about the impact these programs have on the wider community. “It means the world to me, I just love to see my community learning and thriving,” he said. He expects future sessions to attract even more participants, including repeat attendees eager to continue developing their skills.
The partnership with Southeast College brings educational resources directly to the community, making programs more accessible and tailored to local needs. Big Eagle described the collaboration as “awesome” and said he looks forward to bringing the programs back again.
Beyond professional development, the community is seeing success in other areas as well. Big Eagle highlighted a local drum circle group that recently competed at powwows, placing fifth, showing the growth and potential of the youth in the community.
Through these initiatives, Ocean Man First Nation and Southeast College are creating opportunities for learning, growth, and community empowerment, fostering a culture of skill-building and collaboration in southeastern Saskatchewan.