A monumental moment for conservation as a group of over a dozen bison were successfully translocated from a southwest property back to traditional lands in the southeast part of the province after multiple generations.
16 plains bison from the Nature Conservancy of Canada’s Old Man on His Back Prairie and Heritage Conservation Area were moved more than four hours away to Kahkewistahaw First Nation on March 25.
Kat Hecker, natural area manager with the Nature Conservancy of Canada, said that Kahkewistahaw can now start their own herd, supporting species recovery and an ancient cultural relationship.
A photo from the move a couple of weeks ago. (Photo by Jared Allary)
“It was a really special experience,” she said. “This is a little bit outside of how we normally operate, so it was very exciting for everyone at the NCC and even more exciting for Kahkewistahaw.
“They’ve been preparing to bring bison back to their land for many years, so it was really exciting to see that happen.”
It was an ideal time for the transfer, as the NCC was looking to downsize its herd to preserve grasslands after recent years of drought, while the Kahkewistahaw First Nation was ready to reintroduce bison.
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The herd at Old Man on His Back is the only one that the Nature Conservancy both owns and manages, although bison can be found on some of its conservation easements.
“We had two members of Kahkewistahaw come and help us on our handling day, so that was really cool to work alongside them and get to know them a little better,” added Hecker.
To learn more about the organization’s work with bison, head to the Nature Conservancy of Canada’s website.
(Photo by Jared Allary)
(Photo by Jason Bantle)