Documentary dazzles return of Banff bison with lantern puppets

BANFF – “I can say, ‘I am a buffalo.’ I am the environment. There is no separation between us and them or others. We truly believe this to be true,” said Amethyst First Rider.

In Iniskim – The return of the buffalo, First Rider, a member of the Blood Tribe of the Blackfoot Confederacy, reflects on a worldview where humans and nature are interconnected and inseparable. This fundamental belief in many indigenous cultures views the land, animals and people as parts of a whole rather than as separate identities.

The documentary celebrates the story of the return of bison to Banff National Park as part of the 2017 reintroduction project – brought to life by a dazzling display of lantern puppets in the inky darkness of night.

“In working on these buffalo lanterns, you are the buffalo; you become the buffalo,” First Rider said. “Every movement of your hands, every connection, every dream – you create energy as you create them, and as you infuse them, they become a part of you. »

The puppet show, told from an Indigenous perspective and developed in 2017, was adapted into a documentary to expand its reach to a wider audience while continuing the celebration of the reintroduction of bison to Banff that same year, hailed as a triumph in conservation efforts.

Absent from Banff National Park for 160 years, the bison – considered a keystone species – has made a successful comeback. Since the transfer of 16 plains bison from Elk Island National Park, including 10 young females and six young males, the herd has flourished. With 20 calves born last spring, it now has a population of more than 100 individuals.

Reintroduction of the animal to the region required extensive planning and coordination, beginning years ago with conversations about its importance in indigenous culture.

In 2014, First Rider and her husband, renowned academic Leroy Little Bear, were instrumental in organizing the Buffalo Treaty – a groundbreaking agreement signed by various First Nations in southern Alberta and Montana to honor, revitalize and protect the centuries-old relationship with animals. .

The treaty aims to reestablish the animal as a vital part of the ecological system and cultural heritage on historic First Nations lands, transcending the borders between the United States and Canada. It highlights the interdependence of humans, buffalo and the environment, with the aim of fostering a future where buffalo and First Nations thrive together, culturally, spiritually and ecologically.

In 2015, the Goodstoney and Chiniki First Nations also signed a special treaty in Banff, alongside the Samson Cree First Nation. Eight other First Nations signed in 2016.

The treaty ultimately became a path, uniting diverse people and organizations with the common goal of reintroducing bison to the Great Plains of North America, where they once lived in numbers of more than 30 million before overhunting drove the animal on the verge of extinction. .

For Parks Canada, the participation of Indigenous people in its reintroduction plan was crucial. This collective, guided by the treaty, provided valuable advice to finalize its approach.

Since 2014, the Buffalo Treaty has brought together more than 50 signatories, including post-secondary institutions such as the University of Lethbridge and Lethbridge College. The treaty celebrates its 10th anniversary in September.

Just like the treaty itself, Iniskim – The return of the buffalo is a demonstration of interrelations.

Its actors and creators are made up of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people, working together to share the story of the animal’s return, its stories and its songs. All music in the film is composed by Anders Hunter of the Bearspaw First Nation and performed by the Eya-Hey Nakoda drum group – its members are primarily Îyârhe Nakoda of the Bearspaw, Chiniki and Goodstoney First Nations.

“I think what inspires us is that we’ve all lived this story. Each of us is part of this story. We brought in singers, drummers, storytellers, puppet masters, and I think each of us brought experience to this,” First Rider said.

She said she hopes the film will inspire the Indigenous community to become more involved in filmmaking, storytelling and art.

“I think we are close to reaching this stage, so I look forward to many beautiful works in the future.”

Screening Iniskim – The return of the buffalo was part of the Banff Center for Arts and Creativity’s programming for National Indigenous History Month in June. Other upcoming events include a concert featuring Afro-Indigenous hip-hop and R&B artist Jah’kota at the Jenny Belzberg Theater on June 21, National Indigenous Peoples Day.

On June 26, in partnership with the Banff Centre, artsPlace in Canmore will host an evening of short films created by Indigenous filmmakers Janine Windolph and the Nakoda AV Club. From June 21 to 30, various Indigenous short films will also be available to watch for free online at www.banffcentre.ca.

The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada. The position covers the Îyârhe (Stoney) Nakoda First Nation and Kananaskis Region.