Poundmaker Cree Nation welcomes back bison to traditional territory
For the first time in over a century, plains bison are roaming on Poundmaker Cree Nation territory in Saskatchewan again.
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Herd of 20 animals released last week believed to be 1st bison on territory in 150 years
Posted: Feb 23, 2021 7:15 PM ET | Last Updated: February 24
Twenty plains bison were released into a compound at Poundmaker Cree Nation in Saskatchewan on Feb. 19. (Submitted by Blaine Favel)
For the first time in over a century, plains bison are roaming on Poundmaker Cree Nation territory in Saskatchewan again.
Last Friday community members gathered as a herd of 20 bison were released into a compound.
Approximately 1500 pure plains bison exist in Canada today down from the millions that once roamed the prairies. The founding herd of bison are being provided by Parks Canada, with funding for the bison compound provided by Western Economic Diversification Canada. Chief Antoine of Poundmaker Cree Nation said, “This is a very proud moment for Poundmaker Cree Nation. We are excited to bring this sacred animal home to our lands. It has been a tough year for everyone and it allows us to celebrate and look forward to a more positive healthy future.” Elwin Tootoosis, Bison manager said “It is a spiritually uplifting experience for us. The bison have always been a part of our cultural heritage. A great honour to be a part of.”
Thanks to his work as chief of the White Bear First Nation, shared with that community’s leaders in the 1990s, Indigenous-led casinos are regular fixtures today: Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA), their regulating body, earned $270 million in the last fiscal year, employs more than 1,600 people, manages seven year-round casinos, and is also celebrating its 25th anniversary. But as Shepherd, now a band councillor, looks back he’s reminded that the tidy, yearly milestones offer only half a picture. Earlier events in the 90s point to familiar themes when governments interact with Indigenous people: Heavy-handed police power; minimal government support for First Nations; betrayed commitments.