With white bison, Siksika gain symbols of hope

By Sean Feagan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Siksika Nation has two new symbols of hope for the community and beyond: a pair of white bison.

The two white bison (or buffalo) are now living on Siksika Nation, following a transfer of ownership ceremony performed on Sept. 12, which included addresses by community members, hand drumming and singing, and a shared meal.

White bison are rare: according to the U.S. National Bison association, they occur in approximately one out of every 10 million births. Instead of having a brown coat like most bison, they have fur that is described as white or blonde.

The bison, raised by rancher Allan Deutsch, were brought to Siksika by Carlon and Lisa Big Snake, who maintain The Siksika Barn and operate Snake Stitch, a company that sells embroidered apparel and other items.

The couple has worked hard to be able to bring the bison to Siksika.

“Being in leadership, one thing that I always promoted was to be more independent, become self-sufficient and to work hard,” said Carlon, a former Siksika councillor. “That’s the message that we want to send to others, to young people – it’s key to our success.”

Bringing the bison to Siksika was done to bring hope and serenity to a community that has faced hardships, added Lisa. 

“We have to have a different perspective, and we felt the buffalo was going to bring that,” she said. “The people that have gathered here are all going to bring good thoughts and good vibes to home.”

The bison will also provide an opportunity for other people to gain exposure to Indigenous culture. 

“We will share these buffalo with people from all communities, whether it’s Strathmore or Calgary – they can come see a bit of culture and how we uphold the white buffalo.”

White bison represent hope not just for Siksika members, but for all Indigenous people, explained Siksika Councillor Wade Healy.

“I believe that having an animal of such magnificent stature here on Siksika Nation is going to be an inspiration for our people to look towards our own culture and our own traditions, to get us through this pandemic and through the modern difficulties that we’re facing today,” said Healy.

“Not only having the buffalo returned to the lands that they once roamed, but to have white buffalo is going to help us all with our healing journey,” said Chief Cadmus Delorme of the Cowessess First Nation, located in southeastern Saskatchewan, who is Lisa’s brother. “Many Indigenous people have felt they want this to be a healing place for not only the customers and not only the family, but for Siksika.”