A historic hunt will be taking place in Banff National Park as members of each Indigenous Nation in Alberta will have the chance to hunt a Bison.
Since plains bison were reintroduced to Banff National Park in the winter of 2017 the herd’s population has grown to a hundred heads strong.
When the bison first came to the Park the Indigenous Advisory Circle for the Park suggested that a ceremonial hunt should take place for the bison supported First Nations and Métis people on the plains.
Because of success of the reintroduction, eight of the bison are being set aside for a ceremonial hunt for each of the Indigenous Nations in Treaty 7; Siksika, Piikani, Kainai, Goodstoney, Chiniki, Bears Paw, Tsuut’ina and the Otipemisiwak Métis Government district 4.
“Each Nation has their own protocols in what they are doing for their Nation.” Explained Distract Four Captain Amber Boyd who is part of the Indigenous Advisory Circle for Banff National Park when asked about the hunt by CJWE.
“Before we get onto the land, we’ll be blessing the rifles through traditional blessings and if we get a bison, we’ll be dropping our sash like we used to.”
Métis hunters will be entering the Panther Valley in the Park’s backcountry for the historic hunt on Monday Oct. 25 with the blessing ceremony taking place at Banff National Park’s East Gate.
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