Metis Nation of Alberta marks historic return of bison to traditional lands
Posted Apr 4, 2022 1:10 pm.
SMOKY LAKE, Alta. – The Metis Nation of Alberta says the arrival of 20 wood bison at a site northeast of Edmonton was a historic moment.
The bison, which came from Elk Island National Park last month, are part of an education and experience program led by the Metis Nation in partnership with the park.
President Audrey Poitras says in a news release that bison are native to the Metis Crossing area, but were driven to near-extinction by settlers in the 19th century and ended Metis bison hunts.
She says the return of bison marks a milestone in reconciliation.
The bison will be released into the Metis Crossing Wildlife Park, which is a cultural interpretive destination, once they are acclimatized to the area.
They will join an existing herd of 48 animals already on site.
“Bison were a vital food source for Metis peoples and communal bison hunts were Metis tradition and formed the bedrock of Metis society,” said Juanita Marois, CEO of Metis Crossing.
“It was at these gatherings that Metis democratic and judicial systems developed through ‘Laws of the Buffalo Hunt.’ The loss of the bison was felt deeply by Metis peoples.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first published on April 4, 2022.
