Michif language students from the Batoche region participated in a special naming ceremony alongside Métis leaders to celebrate the arrival of 16 new calves to the Batoche bison herd. These calves mark the first bison births in the area in nearly 150 years, as shared by Métis elders with students from St. Louis, Duck Lake, and Bellevue in Saskatchewan. Earlier in the year, students from various parts of the province were given the opportunity to contribute names for the calves.
In 2023, Métis Nation—Saskatchewan (MN-S) collaborated with Parks Canada to relocate 25 yearlings from Grasslands National Park to Batoche, followed by an additional 50 bison last year. The recent field trip provided students with a hands-on learning experience about Métis culture through land-based education, as expressed by Darcy Lepowick, MN-S minister of environment, agriculture, lands, and resources. Witnessing the bison in action and engaging with the history firsthand rather than through textbooks is expected to enhance the retention of knowledge among the students.
The chosen names for the calves reflect the northern, heritage, and French influences of Michif language. Examples include “Chiraan” (Northern Light), “Toneur” (Thunder), “La ci flesh” (Little Arrow), and “Li pchi” (The Little One). Notably, one calf was named “Groos tet” (Big Head), which brought joy to 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 paddock to observe the herd up close. Angela Rancourt, who teaches the Michif language class and oversees the Michif early learning program for pre-K and kindergarten students, emphasized the significance of connecting with the land and celebrating together on their ancestral homeland.
As the bison herd continues to expand, plans are in place to relocate some bison to establish new herds in other regions, according to Lepowick. The current herd is nearing its carrying capacity, with expectations of more calves being born next spring. These bison will serve as core herds for future initiatives benefiting various Métis groups across the province.
