‘It is an opportunity of a lifetime’: Cote First Nation names honourary Chief for a day

WATCH: A young man living with Down syndrome got to be co-chief of Cote First Nation for a day. Fruzsina De Cloedt has the uplifting story.

As part of a new tradition on Cote First Nation, one lucky resident became Chief of the community for a day.

Cars and trucks were kicking up dust while chimes provided a lively score to the Cote First Nation Traditional Powwow and Gathering of Nations on Saturday.

The parking lot near the First Nation’s ice rink was almost fully occupied as people were pulling up to enjoy the festivities. The program included a rodeo, horse relay racing and the powwow with an honourary guest.

Participants made their grand entry into the powwow grounds, which consists of a circular structure complete with a slatted roof and bleachers.

In its centre, there is ample room for dozens of performers.

The bleachers and most of the chairs were filled with spectators as dancers were performing to the sound of drums in the centre.

Just next to the arbour, teepees were built. This is where Cote First Nation Chief George Cote was casually chatting with other dignitaries, including the Mayor of Yorkton, Aaron Kienle.

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Next to the men and women in colorful attire stood Nick Fraser. With Cote First Nation’s beaded necklace hanging from his neck, he looked excited. He had every reason to be.

He was the nation’s “Honourary Chief of the Day.”

“I thought, you know, the children are so special and the ones with disabilities ... we want to make them known,” Chief Cote explained.

Cote First Nation put the experience up for Snowarama’s 2025 silent auction. Through the event, they raised funds to support three programs designed to enhance accessibility, joy, and inclusion for individuals living with disabilities in Saskatchewan.

“My job here today to save money for Camp Easter Seal,” said Nick Fraser, Cote First Nation’s Honourary Chief, referring to one of the initiatives supported by the auction. The others being Summer Fun and Adaptive Technology Services.

The young man lives with Down syndrome, and for him and his peers, the camp is a wonderful opportunity to connect with each other and have fun.

“We are so very fortunate to have a Camp Easter Seal in Saskatchewan – where so many kids get the opportunity [to go],” Gerry Ann Fraser, Nick’s mother, told CTV News.

Camp Easter Seal is located on the shores of Little Manitou Lake at Manitou Beach near Watrous.

Gerry Ann says it costs $1,900 per year to send somebody to the camp. A steep price due to the expert care provided to campers.

“They are looked after and there’s medical staff, there’s counselors, there’s everything that you could ever want,” Gerry Ann explained. “But it’s wheelchair accessible. They take care of diets; they take care of all of their needs.”

Nick said becoming an honourary chief for a day was a dream come true. His mother agrees.

“It is an opportunity of a lifetime for someone like Nicholas to have, to be in a position to get to participate alongside Chief George.”

They were quick to clarify that Nick paid for his experience on Saturday out of his own pocket.

“It is such an honor to see Nick so happy and smiling, knowing that he’s going to be chief of Cote First Nation for the day,” said chief George. “You know, it just makes it so rewarding.”

This was the first time the First Nation organized a “Chief for a Day” experience, but Chief George said he plans to make it a regular program going forward.

Soon after the interview, the opening ceremony began. First Nation dignitaries and their honoured guests, such as the RCMP, began walking and dancing in the middle of the arbour. Nick was amongst them, accompanied by his father.

He was proudly carrying the orange flag, which read “Every Child Matters.”

Once the dancing came to an end, the dignitaries were addressed one by one and lined up in front of the elders. Nick was announced as the honourary chief.

As he shook hands, the emcee reminded everyone that the beaded medallion hanging from Nick’s neck was, “a key to the reserve, and he can go anywhere he wants.”