Residents of Star Blanket Cree Nation recently witnessed the return of bison to their community, marking a significant event for the nation. The bison, brought from a ranch in Alberta, were welcomed by community members during a gathering over the snowy May long weekend. Sharon Strongarm, attending the release with her grandchildren, expressed the emotional significance of the moment, highlighting the spiritual connection to their heritage.
Ariane Starblanket, the community navigator and project manager for the bison release, shared that the initiative stemmed from a vision her late grandfather, a former chief of Star Blanket, had of reintroducing bison to the community for healing and food sovereignty. The project, initially part of community safety plan initiatives, evolved to involve youth in caring for the bison as a means of cultural restoration and land stewardship.
Tristan Starr-Desnomie, selected as one of the bison keepers, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to care for the community’s herd. He emphasized the honor and responsibility that comes with the role, highlighting the unique challenges of working with bison compared to other livestock. As the bison settle into their new home, caretakers like Austin Elliott reflect on the generational aspect of the endeavor, hoping to pass down the tradition of bison care to future family members.
Looking ahead, the community envisions expanding the bison’s territory on the land to eventually provide essential resources like food, clothing, and medicine. The current focus is on educational opportunities and witnessing the herd’s growth, fostering a sense of empowerment and cultural revival among community members, particularly the youth.
The return of bison to Star Blanket Cree Nation represents a milestone in preserving indigenous heritage and fostering a deeper connection to the land and traditional practices.
