Provinces and Territories · Drawing 25 of 42
The bison come home
Saskatchewan — since 2019
At Wanuskewin, near Saskatoon, plains bison came home in 2019. Northern Plains Indigenous Peoples have gathered in this valley for thousands of years, and still do.
Look together
How many bison can you count?
An idea to try
Draw tall grass around the bison together. Talk about what they eat: prairie grasses.
For the adult reading along
A little more to discover
Wanuskewin Heritage Park, near Saskatoon, is a National Historic Site located on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. Wanuskewin says people have gathered in this valley for more than 6,400 years; the park shares the cultures of the Northern Plains Indigenous Peoples. Plains bison had disappeared from this land nearly 150 years ago. In December 2019, through a partnership with Parks Canada, six bison from Grasslands National Park arrived; the herd has grown since.
Wanuskewin explains that the bison help restore native grasslands and that Indigenous Peoples of the Great Plains have a deep spiritual connection with them. Talk with your child about why we watch these large animals from far away. For teachings that belong to these nations, rely on Wanuskewin’s guides and resources.
Sources and context (3)
These links lead to other websites. Explore them with an adult. Source titles appear in their original language; some linked pages are in French.
- Wanuskewin — BisonPlains bison disappeared nearly 150 years ago; welcomed back in December 2019 with Parks Canada; herd growth; grassland restoration; deep spiritual connection of Indigenous peoples across the Great Plains with bison.
- Wanuskewin — Media advisory, 21 September 2026Wanuskewin’s own description: Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis; National Historic Site; people have gathered in the valley for more than 6,400 years; cultures of the Northern Plains Indigenous Peoples.
- Parks Canada — Bison on the move (Grasslands National Park)July 2019 agreement; six plains bison transferred from Grasslands National Park to Wanuskewin; arrival on December 6, 2019.
Source review: 2026-09-24. Illustrations simplify places and scenes; they are not historical documents.