KAHKEWISTAHAW FIRST NATION — In a collaboration with the Government of Saskatchewan and the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC), 16 plains bison were translocated from NCC’s Old Man on His Back Prairie and Heritage Conservation Area to the Kahkewistahaw First Nation on March 25, in an effort to support both species recovery and restoration of deep cultural relationships with the iconic animal.
With the arrival of the bison, the Kahkewistahaw First Nation is leading the development of a new herd that will help support ecological health, strengthen cultural practices, knowledge sharing and community well-being.
“The return of the bison to our lands is more than the revival of a species; it is the restoration of balance, tradition and hope. Their presence reminds us of our ancestors’ wisdom and the enduring strength of our people,” said Chief Evan Taypotat of the Kahkewistahaw First Nation.
Plains bison once numbered in the millions across the North American grasslands. The rapid decline in the late 19th century had a lasting impact on many Indigenous communities, and the recent efforts to restore the bison populations are not only about conservation, but cultural renewal and reconciliation.
In 2003, a herd of 50 plains bison calves were translocated from Elk Island National Park, west of Edmonton, Alta., to Old Man on His Back Prairie and Heritage Conservation Area in the southwest region of Saskatchewan, where thousands of plains bison had once roamed before becoming nearly extinct in the early 1900s. This herd provided visitors the opportunity to safely view the herd in their natural habitat.
“The return of plains bison to Indigenous communities throughout the province is an important step in cultural and ecological revitalization and reconciliation. The Ministry of Government Relations is pleased to support the Nature Conservancy of Canada and Kahkewistahaw First Nation project through our First Nations and Métis Community Partnerships Project funding. This funding reflects our government’s ongoing commitment to advancing reconciliation in Saskatchewan,” said Eric Schmalz, Minister of Government Relations and Minister responsible for First Nations, Métis and Northern Affairs.
With Indigenous Nations and conservation partners working together to establish new herds and manage existing ones, other species will benefit from the healthy grasslands and renewed habitats. By bringing together Indigenous knowledge, stewardship practices and collaborative partnerships, this initiative contributes to the long-term sustainability of both the species and prairie ecosystems.
“Bison have long played a vital role in shaping prairie ecosystems and hold deep cultural significance for Indigenous Peoples. Their return to Indigenous lands is an important part of conservation and reconciliation. NCC is proud to work alongside the Kahkewistahaw First Nation and our partners to support the establishment of this herd and the continued stewardship of these remarkable animals,” said Andrea Laughren, Regional Vice-President for the Prairie Region for the Nature Conservancy of Canada.
As this milestone represents an important step for the Nation in re-establishing a bison herd on its traditional lands, it also represents an important step in moving forward in peace and understanding.
“As the bison walk these grounds once more, so too do we walk forward together, honouring the past and embracing the future,” said Chief Taypotat.
