The Ranch Ehrlo Society held their ninth powwow on their Pilot Butte campus while also celebrating 60 years of operation for the organization. Over 70 per cent of the children who work with the organization are Indigenous. The powwow is a way to provide cultural opportunities for these youth to experience. “For those children it’s really important we connect them back to their community and cultural said Natalie Huber, the CEO and President of Ranch Ehrlo Society. “Events like this give them opportunities to really shine and come out and display their talent.” Ranch Ehrlo Society was founded by Dr. Geoff Pawson in 1966. It began as a home for six boys with complex needs. The organization has grown significantly. It is now a part of six communities in Saskatchewan, operating over 40 group homes and three schools. A museum detailing many of the events and people of the organization’s history was on display. Greg Mallett worked at Ranch Ehrlo from 1975-1982. He remembers the camping trips and the winter months at the Pilot Butte campus. “It’s come a long way and the number of services they provide to families and youth nowadays, it is amazing,” he said. “I am really proud that I had my roots here at Ranch Ehrlo, it’s a special feeling.” Vance Heaney is the clinical director of program north for Ranch Ehrlo Society. He has been a part of the organization since 1990. Heaney said Ranch Ehrlo has steadily grown over the years but did have a growth spurt between 2000-2010. During his time with the organization, the main goal and purpose has not changed. “It was always around trying to help children do well. The philosophy that children do well if they can,” he said. “Still today, it’s all about the children and the family, and how we support the child and families.” Ranch Ehrlo Society will continue to celebrate their anniversary. There are plans to do 60 acts of kindness throughout the year, as well as a series highlighting people in the organization’s history.
