A naming ceremony was held by Métis leaders in the Batoche area to introduce 16 new calves to the Batoche bison herd, where Michif language students participated. The calves, the first in almost 150 years, were welcomed by Métis elders in the presence of students from St. Louis, Duck Lake, and Bellevue, Sask. Earlier this year, students from various regions across the province were given the opportunity to name the newborns.
In 2023, Métis Nation—Saskatchewan (MN-S) collaborated with Parks Canada to relocate 25 yearlings from a herd at Grasslands National Park to Batoche, with an additional 50 bison being added last year.
The field trip provided the students with a hands-on experience in land-based education, fostering a deeper connection to the Métis culture, according to Darcy Lepowick, MN-S minister of environment, agriculture, lands, and resources. Lepowick emphasized the importance of learning directly from the environment, encouraging students to engage with elders and teachers to grasp the historical significance of the Métis community in the region, particularly in relation to the buffalo herds.
The calves were given names reflecting the northern, heritage, and French dialects of Michif, such as Chiraan (Northern Light), Toneur (Thunder), La ci flesh (Little Arrow), and Li pchi (The Little One). Among them, a calf named Groos tet, meaning “Big Head” in English, delighted Samantha Campbell, a Grade 10 student at St. Louis Public School studying Michif language.
Following the naming ceremony, students and onlookers ventured into the bison paddock to witness the herd up close. Angela Rancourt, who teaches the Michif language class, expressed the significance of the event, emphasizing the connection to their homeland and ancestors.
As the herd continues to grow, plans are in place to relocate some bison to establish new herds, ensuring sustainable growth and conservation efforts, as stated by Lepowick. The bison will serve as nucleus herds for other Métis groups across the province in the future.