Will Bison once again be Roaming Southern Alberta and Northern Montana? (Part 1)

A historic treaty to bring back bison (buffalo) was signed in 2014 in Montana by First Nations and tribes on both sides of the Canada-United States border. The Northern Tribes Buffalo Treaty — the first of its kind in 150 years — is meant to work to establish inter-tribal alliances for the restoration of bison on reserves or co-managed lands within the U.S. and Canada. Bison may bring about better ecological balance by allowing plants, animals and birds that disappeared with the demise of the bison in the mid to late 1800s. The first wild bison to roam Banff National Park in more than a century was reintroduces last year and will eventually graze the eastern slopes of that park. The speaker will address the many issues related to reintroduction of bison to this area. He will also explain the cultural importance that bison plays in the lives of First Nations Peoples. Speaker: Dr. Leroy Little Bear Renowned as an international scholar, speaker and leader, Dr. Leroy Little Bear is a pioneer in the field of Indigenous education and the winner of the 2017 University of Lethbridge Speaker Research Award. A mentor and instructor of students and an esteemed advisor on Aboriginal matters at the local, provincial, national and international level, Little Bear was a founder of the University’s Department of Native American Studies, one of the first such departments in Canada. Little Bear breathed life into Indigenous scholarship by developing ethical, respectful and rigorous Aboriginal programs. His educational service did not end with his formal retirement, but rather transitioned into the role of mentor and advisor, guiding Indigenous programming and establishing a legacy of inclusivity. Little Bear now serves as the Special Assistant to the President and has played an integral role in breaking boundaries between traditional Indigenous and western sciences, and his writings have influenced legal and policy realms. He and his wife, Amethyst First Rider, were major proponents in bringing about the signing of the Buffalo Treaty between American and First Nations. He has received the key to the City of Lethbridge, an Urban Aboriginal Lifetime Achievement Award, an honorary Doctor of Arts and Science from the U of L, an Honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of Northern British Columbia and was recently inducted into the Alberta Order of Excellence. Moderator: Cody Spencer Date: Thursday, February 8, 2018 Time: Noon - 1:30 pm Location: Country Kitchen Catering (below The Keg restaurant) 1715 Mayor Magrath Drive South Cost: $11 lunch (hearty soup & bun, desert & coffee/tea) or $2 coffee/tea. RSVP not required