Christopher Ochuschayoo  had his regalia stolen from his vehicle on July 26. (supplied/Delia Duquette)

By Keaton Brown

Traditional Regalia Stolen

Local dancer has traditional regalia stolen from vehicle

Aug 3, 2019 | 8:00 AM

A local dancer had his vehicle broken into in front of his mother’s house in North Battleford and the thieves took off with his traditional powwow regalia.

Christopher Ochuschayoo, 18, has danced for the past four years. He said dancing brings him joy as he can see the smiles on all of the people who are watching him perform.

“Dancing means healing [to me] and helping others heal. When they see me dance they forget about things and are wowed by how my regalia bounces up and how my moves connect,” Ochuschayoo said. “It brings a smile to my face because when I dance I get to see the smile on everyone else’s faces.”

He had planned to dancing this weekend at a powwow on the Muskoday First Nation. He said without his regalia, he probably will not be able to perform, but it will not stop him from enjoying the event.

“It’s kind of keeping me from dancing but I can still go and enjoy the vibes and the people out there,” he said.

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Ochuschayoo said he couldn’t put a monetary value on his regalia and considers it priceless as it was hand made.

“I made it with my kokum and my mom,” he said. “That kind of regalia is priceless.”

Ochuschayoo said his regalia was inside a suitcase when it was stolen so the thief may not have known what they were taking. He and his family hope whoever took it, or anyone who finds it, comes forward to return it.

“When I lost it, it felt like I had lost somebody. Like a person is missing.”

—

Keaton.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow