'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
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.