Southwestern Manitoba First Nation welcomes bison back after more than a century [Video]

A herd of bison returned to a southwestern Manitoba First Nation this week, bringing with them strength and cultural teachings for a community in need of healing, leaders say.

Doug Hanska, the Jordan’s Principle land-based co-ordinator for Birdtail Sioux First Nation, watched in awe Tuesday as the animals raced through the snow, returning to their ancestral home in the First Nation.

He helped secure the bison for the community, where they disappeared more than a century ago due to over-hunting.

“Today is a really historical event,” Hanska said. “We always wanted to bring some buffalo back … and eventually made it into reality.”

More than 100 community members — more than half of whom were students — welcomed the bison in a special ceremony. Sioux Valley Dakota Nation said it gave the 11 bison to Birdtail, about 70 kilometres to the northwest, to help strengthen Dakota identity and culture.