Southern Manitoba First Nation’s ceremony connects youth with bison herd for education, community-building – CBC

Nov 08, 2023

Ceremony part of ‘making kids aware that there’s other things that they can do,’ says Sioux Valley chief

A southwestern Manitoba First Nation is turning to its bison herd to help heal a community in crisis.

Sioux Valley Dakota Nation Chief Vincent Tacan says the First Nation wants to reinforce positive messaging by connecting young people with traditions and ceremonies — and it’s using its bison herd to do that.

The First Nation is experiencing a crisis related to substance use and addiction, he said.

“We need to do something,” said Tacan. “This is just one part of the strategy … incorporating the buffalo, the teachings, the ceremonies, that sort of thing — making kids aware that there’s other things that they can do.”

Read More: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/sioux-valley-buffalo-1.7021405