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Chief Austin Bear announces retirement, honoured at Muskoday Powwow

Aug 6, 2018 | 12:00 PM

The long-time leader of the Muskoday First Nation will be calling it a career, nearly three decades after he took over the role.

It was announced during the communities traditional Powwow that Chief Austin Bear would be retiring after serving some 28 years as Chief.

“In 2019 I won’t be seeking re-election for sure,” Bear told paNOW.

Bear was honoured with a small ceremony during the Muskoday Traditional Powwow, hosted between August 4 and 5 just outside of Prince Albert.

“It’s difficult to express in words the honour bestowed upon me today from this camp and the people of Muskoday and the Elders,” Bear said. “Words can’t describe how I’m feeling. It may sink in in a day or two, but for today, I’m certainly humbled by this great honour.”

The community’s traditional powwow marked 27 years this year although that’s an accomplishment Bear attributed to the residence of Muskoday and the people who make the trip every year to participate.

He said the people were supportive and have expressed a desire to bring culture back to Muskoday.

Bear noted the Muskoday First Nation will head to the polls in a general election in March, 2019.

 

Bryan.Eneas@jpbg.ca
On Twitter: @BryanEneas