In Star Blanket Cree Nation, community members recently witnessed a significant event as a herd of bison returned to the lands they call home after many years. The residents, including men, women, and children, gathered to welcome the bison, marking a historic moment for their community located around 100 kilometers northeast of Regina.
Sharon Strongarm, who attended the bison release with her grandchildren, expressed the emotional impact of the event. She described the experience as spiritual and emphasized the significance of reintroducing the buffalo to their territory. Two of her grandsons were selected to help care for the bison, a responsibility that Strongarm believes will educate the younger generations about these animals and their cultural heritage.
Ariane Starblanket, the community navigator and project manager for the bison release, shared that the idea of bringing bison back to the community was a dream of her late grandfather, a former chief of Star Blanket. She highlighted the healing and food sovereignty aspects that the bison reintroduction would bring to the community.
The project, initially part of community safety plan initiatives, evolved to involve the youth in bison care as a way to foster cultural restoration and instill a sense of stewardship for the land. Starblanket emphasized the importance of reconnecting with history, heritage, and language through the bison project.
Tristan Starr-Desnomie, one of the chosen bison keepers, expressed his honor in being selected for this role. He highlighted the responsibilities involved in caring for the bison herd and mentioned the excitement surrounding the upcoming calving process.
As the bison settled into their new environment, caretaker Austin Elliott observed their behavior, noting their calmness and adaptability. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to care for the bison alongside his family, emphasizing the generational significance of the activity.
Looking ahead, plans are in place to expand the bison’s habitat on approximately 65 hectares of land. The community envisions a future where the bison will provide essential resources such as food, clothing, and medicine. In the meantime, the focus is on educating the younger generation about the cultural importance of the bison and the empowerment it brings to the community.