A family of 11 Yellowstone bison from Montana were returned to their ancestral homeland on Mosquito, Grizzly Bear's Head, Lean Man First Nation under the Buffalo Treaty. (Submitted photo/MGBHLM)

By Kenneth Cheung

FROM MONTANA TO SASKATCHEWAN

‘Historical moment’: 11 Yellowstone bison transferred to Sask First Nations

Feb 7, 2025 | 10:53 AM

A family of 11 Yellowstone bison from the Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes in Montana have been reintroduced to their ancestral land of Mosquito, Grizzly Bear’s Head, Lean Man (MGBHLM) First Nations.

The bison were sent as part of a Buffalo Treaty between tribal nations in the U.S. and Canada to restore the population of the animals and strengthen Indigenous ties between the two countries.

MGBHLM Lands Manager Sonia Gardypie said it was emotional to witness the bison arrive, calling it an “historical moment” for Saskatchewan.

“This was the first time purebred Yellowstone bison crossed the border into Canada,” she said.

While most domesticated bison herds share genes with cattle, Yellowstone bison are the most genetically pure, with over 99 per cent purity, descending from early bison that lived in the wild.

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“It represents taking back what was once taken from us. Bison were our partners in survival, part of our history, also part of us as a family and now they’re returning to help us heal and reconnect with our traditions.”

The moment the bison family set foot on the Saskatchewan First Nation.(Facebook/MGBHLM)

The Buffalo Treaty was first signed in 2014 on the Blackfeet Territory in Montana. The Mosquito First Nations signed the treaty last year and helped facilitate the transfer, but due to extensive regulatory requirements to cross the border, the process took over a year.

Currently, there are more than 40 signatories on the Treaty in North America.

According to Saskatchewan Agriculture, as of 2024, the province was home to over 45,000 bison.

Tesler Mosquito (L), the land coordinator, and Travis Spyglass (R), the bison paddock manager. (Kenneth Cheung/battlefordsNOW staff)

Spiritual connection

“These bison are a spiritual animal to us Natives; they are in all the ceremonies, and we pray to this animal. Having them back on our lands is an honour,” said Travis Spyglass, the basin paddock manager who has been at the forefront of caring for the newly arrived family.

“After months of working together, I can walk them around like they are nice pets. It is something that I never imagined I’d do – I’m learning every day.”

Spyglass said the bisons’ presence is already impacting the ecosystem.

“They bring back more animals, plants, and birds,” he noted. “We now have eagles living with them. They change the land—they roll in the dirt, create watering holes, and spread plant life through their fur. It’s incredible to witness.”

Tesler Mosquito, the land coordinator, is also excited to see how the bison will change the landscape and said their presence could also foster community involvement.

“People from small towns and non-Indigenous communities have started asking, ‘Where did all the bison go?’ That conversation is crucial for everyone to understand the deep connection between our ancestors and these magnificent animals,” Mosquito said.

Public interest in the bison herd is also growing, with school groups and visitors eager to see the majestic beasts up close.

“We’ve given tours to local schools, showing students the bison just five or ten feet away,” Spyglass added. “It’s important that we teach kids about these animals—not just Indigenous kids, but everyone.”

(Submitted photo/MGBHLM)

As the herd grows, they hope to expand education and tourism opportunities while continuing to strengthen their ancestral bond with the bison.

“Our goal is to let the bison naturally change the environment while also giving our youth an up-close look at their legacy,” Mosquito noted.

“This is more than wildlife management; it is about reconnecting with our past and building a future together.”

Meanwhile, the Mosquito Grizzly Bear’s Head, Lean Man First Nation is prioritizing the growth and freedom of the herd on its land before establishing any long-term plans.

“It’s about cultural and spiritual renewal. Eventually, we’ll explore how they can support the community in other ways,” Gardypie added.

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Kenneth.Cheung@pattisonmedia.com