Bison are an icon of Canada’s history. They are cultural and ecological keystone species that have returned to the region after nearly a 150-year absence. Join us for this virtual event to learn more about the important role that bison play in ensuring a nature-positive future.
Bison are ecosystem engineers. They shape the landscape in ways that help many other plants and animals, ranging from bugs to birds to bears. Shedding their winter fur that is used by birds to line their nests is one example of the many ways bison impact the ecosystem including:
- Grazing and wallowing creates habitat for a range of animals including elk, ground squirrels and badgers.
- As North America’s largest land mammal, bison provide a rich source of nutrients for scavengers, bears and wolves.
Bison are also vital to the history and culture of many indigenous peoples. For thousands of years, many Indigenous nations traveled through the Bow Valley hunting bison and burning forests and meadows to improve habitat quality for bison and other animals. For Indigenous peoples, bison traditionally provided a range of life-sustaining resources.
GUEST SPEAKER
Marie-Eve Marchand is a system entrepreneur who grew up in Quebec and calls Banff National Park home. She was part of the group of people who successfully coordinated the movement to bring the plains bison back to Banff National Park and is has also been working on the implementation of the Buffalo Treaty with over thirty indigenous communities from Western Canada and USA and with multiple stakeholders across North America on bison restoration for over a decade.