Michif language learners from the Batoche region participated in a naming ceremony alongside Métis leaders to introduce 16 new calves to the Batoche bison herd. These calves mark the first bison births in the Batoche area in almost a century and a half, as shared by Métis elders with students from St. Louis, Duck Lake, and Bellevue, Saskatchewan. Earlier this year, students from various regions were invited to contribute to naming the calves.
In 2023, Métis Nation—Saskatchewan (MN-S) collaborated with Parks Canada to relocate 25 yearlings from Grasslands National Park to Batoche, with an additional 50 bison added the following year. This educational excursion aimed to provide students with a hands-on experience in understanding Métis culture through land-based education, according to Darcy Lepowick, MN-S minister of environment, agriculture, lands, and resources.
The naming of the calves incorporated elements of the northern, heritage, and French dialects of Michif. Notable names include Chiraan (Northern Light), Toneur (Thunder), La ci flesh (Little Arrow), Li pchi (The Little One), and Groos tet (Big Head), which particularly delighted Samantha Campbell, a Grade 10 student at St. Louis Public School studying Michif language.
Following the naming ceremony, a group of students and onlookers ventured into the bison enclosure to observe the herd. Angela Rancourt, who teaches the Michif language class and oversees the Michif early learning program, expressed the significance of the event in connecting students with their heritage on familiar land.
As the bison herd continues to expand, plans are in place to relocate some bison to establish new herds. Lepowick noted that while the current herd is nearing capacity, more calves are expected next spring, with the intention of utilizing these bison as nucleus herds for other Métis groups across the province.