'The ancestors are telling us something:' Bison born at Saskatoon's Wanuskewin on Truth and Reconciliation Day
Staff at Wanuskewin celebrated Truth and Reconciliation Day with an unexpected surprise when they discovered a newborn bison among its wild herd on Sept. 30.
“It’s incredible to think of the significance of this bison calf birth here at Wanuskewin,” said Wanuskewin chief executive Darlene Brander in a press release.
“It wasn’t born on the 29th, or the 1st, it was on the 30th; a day which has such deep meaning behind it. The ancestors are telling us something important. At a certain point you cannot call this coincidence anymore.”
The growing bison herd in the heritage park holds particular significance for its connection to northern plains indigenous culture. The bison was nearly hunted to extinction by the year 1870 as Europeans flocked to the prairies to settle the land.
Bison usually give birth in the early spring, though it is possible for them to give birth later in the fall. Bison herds are protective of their young, and will ensure the calf stays warm in the cold months to come, the press release says.
“Bison are custom made for the prairie environment, and have incredible physical adaptations that allow them to thrive in our harsh climate,” says Wanuskewin bison manager Craig Thoms.
“This little bull calf will put on weight quickly and begin growing a warmer coat within the next few weeks. We will monitor him closely to make sure he has everything he needs to grow healthy and strong.”
The herd at Wanuskewin was formed from two other herds – the first originating in Grasslands National Park, and the second from Yellowstone National Park in the United States – making them descendants of the last remaining grasslands bison, says Wanuskewin.
Wanuskewin Heritage Park is a national heritage site that celebrates northern plains indigenous cultures.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NDP motion regarding Palestinian statehood passes after major Liberal alterations
A motion from the federal New Democrats initially calling on Canada to recognize the 'State of Palestine' passed amid widespread acrimony on Monday, after the Liberals drastically altered its wording to see the government simply work towards that aim as part of a two-state solution.
'He didn't want to die': Family of Calgary man killed in standoff speaks out
Family of a Calgary man killed after a 30-hour standoff with police last week are speaking out, sharing details of the tense and heart-wrenching experience.
Toronto family doctor who called patient's body 'perfect' suspended for 3 months: tribunal
A family doctor in Toronto has been suspended for three months after a disciplinary tribunal found that he failed to follow proper protocols while examining a patient's breasts and made inappropriate comments about her body.
Ohio mom who left toddler alone 10 days when she went on vacation pleads guilty to aggravated murder
An Ohio mother whose 16-month-old daughter died after being left home alone in a playpen for 10 days last summer while she went on vacation was sentenced Monday to life in prison with no chance of parole.
Retired teacher pleads guilty to paying for sex with 15-year-old in Collingwood, Ont.
In a Barrie courtroom on Monday, a retired high school teacher from the Niagara Region pleaded guilty to sexual touching and obtaining sexual services from a 15-year-old boy in Collingwood in 2021.
Hertz CEO out following electric car 'horror show'
The company, which announced in January it was selling 20,000 of the electric vehicles in its fleet, or about a third of the EVs it owned, is now replacing the CEO who helped build up that fleet, giving it the company’s fifth boss in just four years.
5 charged in Calgary kidnappings that targeted women
Calgary police have charged five men in a pair of kidnappings last year that targeted innocent victims.
Demand soars for solar eclipse glasses in Canada. Are they worth buying?
The demand for total solar eclipse glasses used to safely view the rare celestial event has been ramping up as sellers, along with astronomy and eye-care experts in Canada, warn that viewing the eclipse with the naked eye is dangerous.
Canadian commander of volunteer fighter group dies in Ukraine
A Canadian-born commander of the so-called Norman Brigade, a volunteer fighting group in Ukraine, has died.