A new herd of bison has officially began on historic Metis lands near Batoche.
Last year, Parks Canada and the Metis Nation-Saskatchewan struck a deal to relocate 25 bison from a herd on Grasslands National Park.
The government announced Friday morning that the transfer was successfully undertaken this past week.
The bison will eventually reside on 690 hectares of land with the hopes the herd will grow over time.
“Welcoming the bison back to Batoche holds enormous cultural significance for Métis people in this province,” stated MN-S President Michelle LeClair in a media release. “Our youth will see a tangible demonstration of Métis tradition and values as our Elders help provide invaluable land-based education.”
The MN-S says the return of the bison will help them explore educational and economic potential the herd will bring to the region.
In a Facebook post, the Metis Nation also says that visiting the herd is not allowed at this moment as the bison need a comfortable settling process.
(PHOTO – A herd of 25 bison succesfully transferred to Batoche. Photo provided by the MN-S)