In August 2026, Mistawasis Nehiyawak First Nation welcomed seven Buffalo gifted by the Louis Bull Tribe, marking a significant milestone in the Nation's efforts to restore Buffalo to their traditional lands.
The Buffalo arrived on August 17th, just days ahead of the 150th anniversary commemorations of Treaty 6 at Fort Carlton, Saskatchewan. The historic gathering honoured the signing of Treaty 6 in 1876, when Chief Mistawasis and other First Nations leaders entered into Treaty relationships that continue to hold great significance today.
The return of Buffalo to Mistawasis was made possible through cooperation, shared knowledge, and ceremony. Working together, the two Nations followed traditional protocols to honour the Buffalo and prepare for their return. The Louis Bull Tribe also shared teachings and guidance to support Mistawasis in caring for its new herd.
The Spirit of the Buffalo Treaty
Both Mistawasis Nehiyawak and the Louis Bull Tribe are signatories to The Buffalo: A Treaty of Cooperation, Renewal and Restoration, a First Nations led treaty first signed in 2014 to restore Buffalo to the land and renew cultural, spiritual, and ecological relationships between Buffalo and First Nations peoples.
Their collaboration reflects the spirit and intent of the Buffalo Treaty, demonstrating the importance of Nation-to-Nation cooperation in advancing the return of Buffalo.
For Mistawasis, welcoming the seven Buffalo is about much more than growing a herd. It represents an opportunity to reconnect Nation members with Buffalo teachings, strengthen relationships with the land, and create meaningful learning and reconnecting opportunities for future generations.
As Treaty 6 Nations gathered to commemorate 150 of the Treaty, the return of Buffalo served as a powerful reminder of the enduring strength of First Nations relationships and the responsibility to carry traditional knowledge forward.
Through cooperation, generosity, and a shared commitment to restoration, Mistawasis and Louis Bull are demonstrating how the spirit of the Buffalo Treaty continues to bring buffalo back to First Nations lands, cultures and communities.
We honour and recognize both Mistawasis Nehiyawak and the Louis Bull Tribe for their continued commitment to welcome our Buffalo relatives back to our lands and lifeways.
