January 22, 2025 Banff, Alberta Parks Canada
The Indigenous Advisory Circle (IAC) and Parks Canada are pleased to announce the successful completion of the first Indigenous-led ceremonial bison harvest in Banff National Park. This IAC-led pilot project marks the first bison hunt on the lands of what is now known as Banff National Park since before the park's establishment, nearly 145 years ago.
The ceremonial bison harvest represents a substantial step in revitalizing important ceremonial and cultural hunting practices; marking a significant moment of cultural reconnection that restores traditions and deepens Indigenous connectivity to the land and the bison.
The Indigenous Advisory Circle for Banff National Park, established in 2018, is an important means to better understand Indigenous perspectives and priorities for their relationship with Parks Canada. Indigenous Nations are central to this initiative, including the Siksika Nation, Stoney Nakoda Nations (Bearspaw, Chiniki, and Goodstoney), Kainai Nation, Piikani Nation, Tsuut'ina Nation and the Otipemisiwak Métis Government - Rocky View and Red Deer Métis Districts. IAC leadership, with Parks Canada's support, requested and guided every aspect of the 2024 harvest to ensure the process was approached with appropriate care and according to cultural practices.
The ceremonial harvest reflects the shared goals of honouring Indigenous traditions and re-establishing cultural practices in Banff National Park. Harvesting by Indigenous Peoples is already safely implemented in many protected heritage places across the country, including approximately half of national parks. This harvest was an important step in exercising rights as protected under Section 35 of the Constitution Act and bringing back ceremony that celebrates the long-standing relationship between Indigenous Peoples and the bison.
Given shared interest in the well being of the bison, plus the observed herd growth from 16 to over 130 animals since 2017, Indigenous Nations and Parks Canada co-developed the approach to facilitate the hunt. Harvesting activities were undertaken in a manner that ensured public safety, and without any motorized access inside this remote area of the National Park.
Three bison were harvested during the 2024 pilot project, all by free-range hunt. This collaborative effort marks a significant step forward for relationships between Parks Canada and the IAC, highlighting a shared commitment to honouring cultural practices and traditions, and advancing Indigenous stewardship within Banff National Park.
