In a stride towards reconciliation, Parks Canada recently returned 25 Plains bison from national to Métis land. 

The large bovines were transported to establish a new herd on Métis Nation-Saskatchewan (MN–S) lands near Batoche National Historic Site on December 7. 

Laura Gardiner is acting wildlife ecologist and species at risk scientist at Grasslands National Park, where the bison were previously living. 

“[During] the release itself you could tell that the emotions were high,” she said. "The Métis Nation-Saskatchewan team that was working towards making this transfer happen were a super passionate and dedicated group of people, and it's their hard work that made this transfer possible. We were just very privileged to play a supporting role.” 

Gardiner added that Grasslands National Park has transferred about 150 bison to indigenous communities and other groups over the last five years. 

As the animals are a cultural and historical staple for Métis people, this recent move aims to strengthen Métis communities' connections with their identity and land. Traditionally, bison provided everything from food and clothing to tools and income. 

According to Michelle LeClair, MN-S Vice President, the release of bison on Métis land was like watching and seeing reconciliation in action.

“It won't just impact the local people around Batoche,” she said. “The Battle of Batoche happened in 1885, and of course, there was bloodshed there. Louis Riel was hanged as a result, and Gabriel Dumont lived at Batoche, and so for us it really brings a lot of things back to the land, the cultural piece. We're just so excited at MN-S to have the bison back on that particular land.” 

The MN-S will explore economic and educational opportunities that could stem from the presence of the animals back on their land. 

LeClair is also excited to see how the grounds transform after welcoming back a keystone species, including returning flora and fauna and other grasslands wildlife that hasn’t been around since the bison roamed the area freely. 

"They really are a gift from the Creator to us," she said. "It was like watching them return home; they seem so comfortable. It was just a beautiful, quiet, release of them."

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