MOOSE JAW — Moose Jaw Family Services Inc. (MJFS) is teaming up with The Evermore Centre from Saskatoon to host a free Family Gathering event aimed at supporting families formed through non-traditional means on Saturday, April 26.
The event is scheduled from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., and will take place at HOMEBASE Youth Services, located at 52 High Street West.
The day will feature separate sessions for caregivers and children in the morning, followed by a shared family activity in the afternoon. It is designed for foster and adoptive parents, kinship and Person of Sufficient Interest (PSI) caregivers, and their families.
“So this is an event being put on by The Evermore Centre… and they connected with us to run it here in Moose Jaw,” said Tara Jones, executive director of MJFS. “They try and connect with a local organization to make (the gathering) relevant for the community (where it’s being held).”
The morning sessions will provide caregivers with trauma-informed content to support their parenting journey, while children will engage in developmentally appropriate activities focused on expressing feelings.
After lunch, families will come together for a session on supporting Indigenous culture, concluding with an Indigenous-inspired craft activity.
“The goal is to support families who have grown through non-traditional means, and also to bring families together so that they can build their own support networks and meet other families who may have some shared similarities,” Jones explained.
“There will be a trauma-informed focus, and we really want caregivers to receive some meaningful content that supports them in their parenting journey.”
The Evermore Centre, formerly known as the Adoption Support Centre of Saskatchewan, provides support and education services to those impacted by permanency, including legal guardianship, PSI, kinship care, and adoption. The centre has hosted similar Family Gathering events in various communities across the province in recent years, including a Traditional Adoption and Kinship Panel offered virtually on April 12.
This gathering will include a strong Indigenous component, welcoming Knowledge Keepers and representatives from the New 麻豆视频ern Plains Metis Local No. 160.
The Plains Cree name for the event, peyakôskân, translates as “one family, one bond, one tribe, one nation.” This term is meant to embody the concepts of unity, kinship, and collective identity within Cree culture. It remains a powerful Cree term, encapsulating the essence of unity and serving as a reminder of the strength found in community and similar collective bonds.
“This is (intended) for all families,” Jones clarified. “There is a bit of a focus on bringing Indigenous teachings in, but in no way is it a requirement that anyone have an Indigenous heritage. The teachings are going to be relevant regardless (of your background).”
The Family Gathering event is free to attend, with lunch provided at no additional cost. However, families must register in advance.
Families who are interested in attending are encouraged to register well ahead of time to ensure adequate planning for space and food. To register, visit , call 306-665-7272, or call 1-866-869-2727 toll-free.
To learn more about The Evermore Centre, visit .
For more information about Moose Jaw Family Services Inc., its work in the community, and how to help out through donations, partnerships, or sponsorships, visit or call 306-694-8133.
