'Bison Day' at Agribition marked with sales, Indigenous ceremonies
The second day of the Canadian Western Agribition was called ‘bison day’ and for good reason. Events focused on the importance of bison in the agriculture industry as well as the animal’s Indigenous roots and connections.
A powwow was performed by First Nation Dance Troupe in which organizers talked the audience through the importance of Indigenous ceremonies.
It was the first time that Agribition has included Indigenous culture in this way.
“A lot of people didn't understand what bison is and what it means to us as Indigenous people,” member of the First Nation Dance Troupe Jack Cappo said.
“It provided a bit of insight, a better understanding of why we do these things and why we would have so much respect for bison.”
The bison plays a significant role in Indigenous culture.
“Shelter, food, tools for hunting, for cooking, for clothing,” Chasity Delorme explained.
“So it was essentially like what we needed to live and to survive so it's not just a ceremonial thing.”
Bison have been a part of Agribition for 30 years since its inception. However, the animal has never had a day dedicated to them.
“We're a small industry but one that's built on sustainability and it's a great product, healthy for you and healthy for the planet,” Brennin Jack, who is a bison producer and auctioneer, told CTV News.
“So it doesn't get better than that.”
Day two of Agribition was marked by a celebration of the bison, which featured powwow celebrations as well as bison sales. (Luke Simard/CTV News)
According to Jack, Canadian bison is the best in the world.
“Just because of the cold weather and all of the years of quality stock that has been bred here by the producers just makes them the best in the world,” Jack said.
Premier Scott Moe said bison are becoming a significant contributor to the Saskatchewan economy.
“If you look where we are today and where we are in the in the future, bison is a becoming a significant part of our livestock production,” Moe said.
Powwows and bison sales highlighted a busy second day at Agribition.
With the day’s activities proving that both are vital aspects of Saskatchewan’s cultural history and its economic future.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
WHO likely to issue wider alert on contaminated cough syrup
The World Health Organization is likely to issue a wider warning about contaminated Johnson and Johnson-made children's cough syrup found in Nigeria last week, it said in an email.
Canada, G7 urge 'all parties' to de-escalate in growing Mideast conflict
Canada called for 'all parties' to de-escalate rising tensions in the Mideast following an apparent Israeli drone attack against Iran overnight.
'It was all my savings': Ontario woman loses $15K to fake Walmart job scam
A woman who recently moved to Canada from India was searching for a job when she got caught in an online job scam and lost $15,000.
Families to receive Canada Child Benefit payment on Friday
More money will land in the pockets of some Canadian families on Friday for the latest Canada Child Benefit installment.
After COVID, WHO defines disease spread 'through air'
The World Health Organization and around 500 experts have agreed for the first time on what it means for a disease to spread through the air, in a bid to avoid the confusion early in the COVID-19 pandemic that some scientists have said cost lives.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
DEVELOPING G7 warns of new sanctions against Iran as world reacts to apparent Israeli drone attack
Group of Seven foreign ministers warned of new sanctions against Iran on Friday for its drone and missile attack on Israel, and urged both sides to avoid an escalation of the conflict.