'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
Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
McGill University seeks emergency injunction to dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
U.S. says Israel's use of U.S. arms likely violated international law, but evidence is incomplete
The Biden administration said Israel's use of U.S.-provided weapons in Gaza likely violated international humanitarian law but wartime conditions prevented U.S. officials from determining that for certain in specific airstrikes.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
Mother assaulted by stranger while breastfeeding baby in her car: Vancouver police
A person was arrested in East Vancouver Thursday after allegedly entering a car while a mother was breastfeeding her four-month-old boy.
'We have laws': Premier Smith says police action justified in Calgary
The actions, including the decision to use non-lethal force, to disperse pro-Palestinian protesters from the University of Calgary campus were justified, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said Friday.
'State or state-sponsored actor' believed to be behind B.C. government hacks
The head of British Columbia’s civil service has revealed that a “state or state-sponsored actor” is behind multiple cyber-security incidents against provincial government networks.