Michif language students hailing from the Batoche region recently participated in a naming ceremony with Métis leaders to commemorate the arrival of 16 new calves to the Batoche bison herd. These calves mark the first bison births in the Batoche area in nearly 150 years, as conveyed by Métis elders to students from St. Louis, Duck Lake, and Bellevue, Saskatchewan. Earlier this year, students from various parts of the province were invited to contribute to naming the calves.
In 2023, Métis Nation—Saskatchewan (MN-S) collaborated with Parks Canada to relocate 25 yearlings to Batoche from a herd at Grasslands National Park, followed by the addition of 50 more bison last year.
The educational field trip offered students a hands-on experience in Métis culture through land-based learning, according to Darcy Lepowick, MN-S minister of environment, agriculture, lands, and resources. Witnessing the bison in action and engaging with the elders and teachers directly allows the students to internalize the knowledge more effectively, Lepowick emphasized.
The selected names for the calves represent 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). Samantha Campbell, a Grade 10 student at St. Louis Public School enrolled in Michif language classes, expressed her delight with the name selection, particularly appreciating the humor and sentiment behind “Big Head.”
Following the naming ceremony, a group of students and onlookers ventured into the bison enclosure 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, highlighted the significance of witnessing bison in their natural habitat and involving the students in the naming process.
Considering the herd’s expanding size, plans are in place to relocate some bison to establish new herds in the future, Lepowick disclosed. Despite nearing its current capacity, the herd is expected to welcome more calves next spring, which will serve as nucleus herds for other regions and Métis communities within the province.
