The Key First Nation in Eastern Saskatchewan is now home to 40 plains bison. Parks Canada, Nature Conservancy of Canada, and the First Nation have announced that the herd has been successfully re-established, renewing cultural, historical and ecological connections for the First Nation.

Councillor for the Key First Nation, Christopher Gareau, says, “Repatriation of bison is the true cultural revitalization piece for our Anishinaabe people, immediately creating unity and togetherness within the community.” A news release from the three entities says that over the past decade, Grasslands National Park staff have worked closely with Indigenous communities which have applied to receive bison back to their traditional rangeland, while also bringing about cultural and socio-economic opportunities.

The Key First Nation has been working with the NCC since early 2019 on this project.