Sacred buffalo ceremony aimed at healing, strengthening community ties

Community members gather at a sacred buffalo feast at N’Dinawemak – Our Relatives’ Place on Henderson Highway in Winnipeg, Man. on Sept. 29, 2025. (Scott Andersson/CTV News Winnipeg)

Community members were invited to a sacred buffalo ceremony to honour the animal’s cultural teachings and traditions while holding space for survivors, families and victims of the residential school system.

The ceremony was hosted Monday by Keewatinohk Inniniw Minoayawin Inc., a First Nations-led health entity, and N’Dinawemak – Our Relatives’ Place, an Indigenous-led 24/7 community warming space.

The buffalo is used in Indigenous cultures and traditions to bring healing and provide food, tools and spiritual guidance.

Keewatinohk Inniniw Minoayawin Inc. CEO Barry Lavallee said the ceremony is aimed at celebrating and healing those who are often unable to take part in such ceremonies.

“I’m wanting the wider community of Winnipeg and Manitoba to recognize how important this crew of people here are,” he said.

“I’m talking about the people who have enough courage to come to this ceremony, even when they might have really nothing, not even a bed to sleep on—they’re the ones who we have to honour and be courageous to, and that’s what the buffalo does for us.”

The buffalo was prepared by students in RRC Polytech’s culinary skills Indigenous program.

Attendees were invited to feast on the buffalo, as well as additional food donated by Harvest Manitoba, and receive free harm reduction education.

A knowledge keeper was also in attendance, offering hands-on learning opportunities for participants to take part in the ceremony.

- With files from CTV’s Scott Andersson