Birth of 2 bison calves makes history: Metis Nation of Alberta | 24CA News
The Metis Nation of Alberta is celebrating the start of two bison calves at a cultural park northeast of Edmonton.
The new additions at Metis Crossing come after 20 wooden bison had been transferred to the standard lands final yr from Elk Island National Park.
It had been round 160 years because the animals lived there earlier than they had been reintroduced to the world in 2021.
Metis Nation president Audrey Poitras says the return of bison to the area marks a milestone in reconciliation.
She says the animals had been practically pushed to extinction by settlers, forcing bison hunts to cease.
The calves will stay amongst a herd of wooden and plains bison, in addition to 25 elk and 20 horses that roam the grounds.
“The birth of these calves is historic for Metis citizens in Alberta,” Poitras stated.
Metis Nation of Alberta co-ordinated the switch of the bison to assist preserve the animals and for cultural revitalization.
Juanita Marois, the CEO of Metis Crossing, says bison play a big function in Metis tradition.
“Bison were a vital food source for Metis peoples and communal bison hunts were Metis tradition and formed the bedrock of Metis society,” stated Marois in a news launch Thursday.
“It was at these gatherings that Metis democratic and judicial systems developed through `Laws of the Buffalo Hunt.’ The loss of the bison was felt deeply by Metis peoples, so to play a role in their reintroduction to these traditional lands is significant.”
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