Return of Bison (Les Bufloo) and Heritage Species to Indigenous Traditional Lands at New Métis Crossing Wildlife Park, Advances Reconciliation

Métis Crossing enters into new joint venture agreement with Visions, Hopes and Dreams, establishing the new Visions, Hopes, and Dreams at Métis Crossing Wildlife Park.   

SMOKY LAKE, AB, Sept. 30, 2021 /CNW/ - Métis Crossing, Alberta's Premier Destination for Métis Cultural Interpretation, has entered a joint venture partnership with Visions, Hopes and Dreams. The new partnership establishes the Visions, Hopes and Dreams at Métis Crossing Wildlife Park. The partnership represents an important step towards reconciliation, as these Indigenous and non-Indigenous equal partners collaborate to welcome the return of traditional heritage species to traditional Métis lands. The return of these animals to traditional lands is symbolic of the connection between Indigenous people and the land on which their ancestors once hunted and lived.

"Métis Crossing is the realization of a dream, decades in the making, and this new partnership pushes us one step closer to fulfilling that dream," said Juanita Marois, CEO, Métis Crossing. Explaining, "Métis Crossing is a safe place to have conversations about our history as a country and the impact that the development of this country has had on Métis communities over generations. Métis people began with the joining of First Nations and European nations. That spirit of mutual benefit was lost for decades. And today the opening our new wildlife park in partnership with a Len Hrehorets, a non-indigenous partner demonstrates reconciliation in action."

"Visions, Hopes and Dreams began as a way to provide hope for my family, yet never reached its full potential. The last two years, I have worked with Métis Crossing to develop a partnership to progress this dream to showcase my buffalo to the world. Today, each of us provides important contributions to the joint venture, creating something better than either of us could have achieved alone," said Len Hrehorets, owner Visions, Hopes, and Dreams.

On September 25, The Visions, Hopes and Dreams at Métis Crossing Wildlife Park welcomed the return of Woods Bison, Plains Bison, White Bison, Elk, White Elk, and Percheron horses to the traditional Métis Lands at Métis Crossing during a private event with Destination Canada, Travel Alberta, Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada, Métis Nation of Alberta officials, stakeholders, and the Crossing's Board of Directors. The event allowed Métis Crossing and Visions Hopes and Dreams the opportunity to announce their joint venture publicly. 

"The bison, or "bufloo" in Michif, the language of the Métis, last roamed these hills in and around 1865," said Métis National of Alberta President, Audrey Poitras. Adding that "through the new JV, we have re-introduced these majestic beasts to their natural habitat. This release allows us to share our culture in an even more meaningful way. We will tour the wildlife park and share stories of our nationhood with all who are open to learn."

The historical relationship between the Métis people and bison stems from the bison hunt that brought thousands of Métis people together each spring and fall. Through the gathering of these large communities, the Métis Nation took shape with the development of their own laws, democratic, and judicial systems.

Beginning in late-Fall 2021 visitors to Métis Crossing will have the opportunity to experience the majesty of these animals through interpretive programming and tours. Métis Crossing offer visitors an immersive, hands-on cultural experience told through the shared experiences of Métis people.

Métis Crossing encourages those interested in the experience to sign-up for their e-newsletter on their website for notifications regarding when bookings will begin.

To learn more about the Métis Crossing visit: www.metiscrossing.com

About Metis Crossing

Métis Crossing is the first major Métis cultural interpretive destination in Alberta and the premier destination for Alberta Métis cultural interpretation, education, gatherings and business development. Sitting on over 600-acres of land, comprised of river lot titles from the original Métis settlers to the region in the late 1800s, the Crossing is designed to engage and excite visitors through an exploration of Métis cultural experiences.

The Métis Crossing site was purchased by the Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA), with support from Canative Housing Corporation and the Belcourt Brosseau Foundation, almost 20 years ago. Métis Crossing continues to operate as an affiliate of the MNA.

To learn more about the Métis Crossing visit: www.metiscrossing.com

SOURCE Métis Crossing

Media Contact for Métis Crossing: Brad Stables, Communications Director, CIPR Communications, P: 403.993.7016, E: [email protected]