Months after a significant cultural moment in the return of buffalo to their lands, the Cowessess First Nation has welcomed its first calf. “We are blessed, proud, and honored to announce the birth of the very first buffalo calf on Cowessess First Nation lands,” the community said on social media. The special birth follows a release back in March that saw buffalo released onto the Cowessess Plains. It was the end result of more than three years of work and a partnership between Cowessess and the Peepeekisis Cree Nation, who shared part of their own herd to return the original grazers of the prairie grasslands to more of their native habitat. “This special moment marks a significant milestone for our Nation and represents strength, resilience, renewal, and our deep connection to the buffalo. The return of the buffalo is more than conservation it is the restoration of culture, tradition, and a sacred relationship that has sustained our people for generations,” Cowessess First Nation said. The original herd released comprised of 20 buffalo – with the new calf making it 21. Once the herd grows large enough – Cowessess has plans to pay it forward to other First Nations communities through the Buffalo Treaty Alliance. Buffalo have been returning to more and more Saskatchewan First Nations over the years, including the Star Blanket Cree Nation last month.
