Regina youth Powwow group more than an after-school program for its members

The Buffalo Boys School is much more than just an after-school program to its members. (MickFavel/CTVNews)

An after-school Powwow program in Regina has been a place of belonging for its members, as well a generational source of singers for the Indigenous community.

Since 2017, the Buffalo Boys drum group at Mother Teresa Middle School (MTMS) has steadily been growing. Originally beginning with a handful of singers, it has since grown to more than 60 singers, both current and past.

The group regularly performers at Powwows and other events outside of school hours, taking their school program to a bigger audience.

Gabriel Lukovszki, a Grade 12 member of the Buffalo Boys said being apart of the group has greatly improved his school experience.

“I have been drumming with these boys and girls for a very long time. We all watched each other grow up. The main thing that keeps me coming back is the support system,” Lukovszki said.

Evan Whitestar is the Indigenous Advocate at MTMS, as well as the Buffalo Boys’ drum keeper. He meets with the drum group throughout the week and shares various teachings with them about the drum, as well as being a positive and upstanding person.

“I get to teach and show everybody the beauty of our culture, the beauty of our language. I get to empower them,” said Whitestar.

The parents of the Buffalo Boys are supportive of the group and have seen the camaraderie grow between the members.

Samantha Ironchild is the mother of two members. She has accompanied the group to Powwows and seen the fun they have.

“It’s a beautiful thing to see the brotherhood that they have created amongst each other. That has been one of my greatest happinesses and joys of watching them,” said Ironchild.

The Buffalo Boys are an ever-changing group of people stepping in and out. The group is more diverse than ever, with youth from all sorts of backgrounds giving it a try.

“You create really strong bonds and connections with people through doing these kinds of things and it’s beautiful that I get to have this,” said Eagle Dubois, from the Buffalo Boys.