We're Back

We are very proud to announce the return of Plains bison to their natural prairie home at Wanuskewin.

Nearly 150 years ago, Plains bison disappeared from this land. In December of 2019, Wanuskewin was thrilled to partner with Parks Canada to welcome them home, through ceremonies led by Elder Cy Standing and members of the Wahpeton Dakota Nation. Six female calves from Grasslands National Park established the herd at Wanuskewin. Shortly thereafter, we welcomed an additional five animals from the United States. A mature bull and four pregnant female bison joined the Grasslands herd. Our American cousins have ancestral ties to Yellowstone National Park, and have ensured that Wanuskewin’s bison are diverse and healthy, pure Plains bison.

Spring of 2020 welcomed 4 healthy baby bison calves to the herd at Wanuskewin, with 3 females and 1 male being born over the course of 3 weeks in April and May. We look forward to welcoming more babies in the spring of 2021.

Wanuskewin’s bison are a conservation herd. The grasslands of North America are one of the most endangered biomes in the world. By introducing bison back to the land, we are able to help restore native grasses and create habitat for an animal who was all but extinct in the late 1800s. It is our aim to restore this land back to balance where the animals, grasslands, human populations and spirit are whole again.

With the return of the bison, we are excited to share cultural knowledge, specialized programming, ceremonies and thoughtful discussion.
We welcome you to Wanuskewin to witness the iconic keystone species of the Great Plains, and the share in the growth of this herd with your family for years to come.

This important cultural, social and environmental initiative is possible thanks to the visionary leadership and generous donation by the Brownlee Family Foundation.