At Batoche National Historic Site, signage talks about the Métis connection to bison/Jennifer Bain

Twenty-five Plains bison have been successfully transferred from Parks Canada to Métis Nation–Saskatchewan.

The bison were transported from Grasslands National Park to establish a new herd on MN–S lands near Batoche National Historic Site, north of Saskatoon. The herd will be relocated to a portion of the 690 hectares (1,705 acres) of land on Batoche grounds that were transferred from Parks Canada to MN–S last year.

Bison have been a cultural and historical staple for Métis people. Traditionally, bison provided everything from food and clothing to tools and a source of income. Métis bison or buffalo hunts were well organized bi-annual events that often involved the entire family. Parks Canada and MN–S collaborated on this bison transfer to strengthen Métis communities' connections to their identity and land.

The return of bison to Batoche complements the long-term vision of MN–S to grow the herd and explore the economic development potential the herd will bring to the region. As stewards of the land, MN–S will also look at the educational opportunities that will be developed with youth, Elders, and community in mind.

“Welcoming the bison back to Batoche holds enormous cultural significance for Métis people in this province,” Michelle LeClair, vice president and Minister of Environment of Métis Nation– Saskatchewan, said in a news release. “Our youth will see a tangible demonstration of Métis tradition and values as our Elders help provide invaluable land-based education. Together, we will bear witness to the growth of the herd as it reclaims the land and allows our Métis Nation government to explore the opportunities presented to us.”

Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, said that bison are a symbol of strength and resilience, a keystone species and a vital part of the lives of Indigenous peoples. He said this transfer will help renew cultural, historical and spiritual connection and shows the government’s commitment to advancing reconciliation with Métis.

A historical bison display in the Batoche National Historic Site visitor reception center/Jennifer Bain

Over the last decade, Grasslands staff have worked with Indigenous communities that have applied to receive bison to bring this culturally significant animal back to their traditional rangeland, while also facilitating cultural or socio-economic opportunities.

Located on the South Saskatchewan River an hour north of Saskatoon, Batoche commemorates the historic Métis community of Batoche, Métis river lot land use patterns, and the 1885 conflict between the Métis Provisional Government and the Government of Canada.

In 1996, the Back to Batoche festival grounds adjacent to the site were transferred to Métis ownership and are now owned and managed by MN–S.

In 1998, Parks Canada and MN–S signed the Batoche National Historic Site Management Agreement, which provided for the creation of a shared management board.

In December 2020, Parks Canada and MN–S agreed to explore and discuss a full range of options related to the future management of Batoche under the Framework Agreement for Advancing Reconciliation. The two parties signed the agreement on July 20, 2018, through the Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination process.

In July 2022, Parks Canada transferred about 690 hectares of land situated on the west side of Batoche to the citizens of MN–S.

In November 2022, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Parks Canada and MN–S to facilitate the bison transfer. Phase one of the MOU involves the reintegration of bison to Back to Batoche festival grounds near the site. Phase two will place the growing herd on a portion of the land that was transferred in 2022.

The landscape at Batoche National Historic Site in Saskatchewan/Jennifer Bain