Willow Lake Métis Nation Marks Its First Bison Harvest
Willow Lake Métis Nation is a Métis community whose citizens now mostly reside in the community of Anzac, Alberta.
I am proud to see our vision become a reality, a harvest rooted in respect for the animal, gratitude for what the land provides and our responsibility to share and care for one another.”
ANZAC, AB, CANADA, November 4, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Willow Lake Métis Nation held its first bison harvest on October 21, 2026, at Willow Lake Métis Farms on Nation land just north of Anzac. One bison was harvested, and the meat was offered to Citizens.— Stella Lavallee, Willow Lake Métis Nation President
Indigenous Guardians Kyle Whitford and Chad Shkopich led the harvest alongside Citizen Elder Rollo Goodwin. Elders, Citizens, staff and youth ages 6 to 14 took part, with Nation President Stella Lavallee and Vice President Jason McKenzie in attendance.
“Our first bison harvest is a proud and meaningful milestone for Willow Lake Métis Nation,” said Lavallee. “It honours our traditions and our connection to the land and it helps bring healthy, traditional food to our Citizens. I am proud to see our vision become a reality, a harvest rooted in respect for the animal, gratitude for what the land provides and our responsibility to share and care for one another.”
The harvest took place eight months after wood bison from Elk Island National Park arrived at the farm on February 18, 2026. The herd now numbers 25, and seven calves were born this year. The Nation hopes to maintain a herd of 20 to 30 bison to support a limited annual harvest primarily for Citizens.
“This first harvest brought our Citizens, Elders, youth and staff together to learn, share knowledge, and provide food for our community,” said Destiny Martin, Sustainability Manager for Willow Lake Métis Nation. “It showed what we are working toward through our bison program: caring for the herd, strengthening our food sovereignty, and creating opportunities for future generations to carry this knowledge forward.”
Willow Lake Métis Nation cares for the bison as a cultural herd. Through the harvest, Citizens can learn and pass on traditional practices while sharing food with their community.
About Willow Lake Métis Nation
Willow Lake Métis Nation is a self-governing Métis community in northern Alberta with roots spanning more than 200 years. The Nation works to strengthen its economy and preserve its cultural heritage. Learn more at www.wlmn.ca.
Vanessa Arrate
CIPR Communications
vanessa@ciprcommunications.com
Visit us on social media:
LinkedIn
Facebook
YouTube
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
