Little hooves, big history: Batoche welcomes a new generation of bison

The bison herd at Batoche National Historic Site welcomed 16 new calves born this spring. (Carla Shynkaruk/CTV News)

A remarkable milestone is being celebrated at Batoche National Historic Site. More than a century after bison disappeared from the region, a growing herd is thriving once again on Métis Nation–Saskatchewan land.

This week, local students gathered for a special naming ceremony to welcome the herd’s newest members: 16 bison calves born this spring, the first ones born on this land in about 150 years.

The celebration brought together youth, educators, community leaders, and conservation partners to mark an important moment in the ongoing restoration of bison to their traditional homeland.

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“Being able to connect and celebrate something like this together is really moving,” said Michif teacher Angela Rancourt of St. Louis Public School.

Students played a meaningful role in the event through a naming contest, helping choose names for each of the calves. All 16 names were selected from one of three Michif dialects, highlighting the deep connection between language, culture, and the land.

Grade 10 student, Samantha Campbell’s favourite name was Groos Tet (“Big Head”), while Jackson Mayer chose Toneur (“Thunder”).

“Having the language and the bison back on the landscape is really important. We’re happy to be here to celebrate,” Richard Dupuis of Parks Canada told CTV News.

The growing herd is the result of a collaborative conservation effort. In December 2023, Métis Nation–Saskatchewan received 25 young plains bison from Parks Canada. Two years later, another 50 were added.

Today, the herd has grown to 92 animals, and the birth of these calves is a strong sign that the population is thriving in its natural environment.

For Métis leaders, the return of the bison represents more than conservation — it is a cultural reconnection that will continue through future generations.

“The young people here are going to be the ones teaching the significance of that connection to the buffalo in the future,” said Darcy Lepowick, minister of environment, agriculture, lands and resources.

While the ceremony celebrated history, culture, and environmental stewardship, many students were simply thrilled by the chance to see the animals up close.

“It was an amazing experience,” Campbell said.

“I don’t really get to experience all that. I feel lucky to experience it.”

The event was a chance for the next generation to take part in a living piece of history.

As the herd continues to grow, so too does the opportunity for young people to connect with Métis culture, history, and the enduring relationship between the people and the bison.