University of Lethbridge first post secondary to sign Buffalo Treaty

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Wednesday, March 15th, 2023 8:18pm

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“Today is a fantastic historic day for the signing of the treaty. The University of Lethbridge has played a very important role, in fact, the drafting of the Buffalo Treaty happened right here at the University of Lethbridge,” said Leroy Little Bear, Vice-Provost for Indigenous Relations at the University

 

The University of Lethbridge made  history Wednesday by being one of the first post-secondary institutions in Canada to sign on to the Buffalo Treaty as a supporter. 

During Indigenous Awareness Week on campus, the university signed on to perpetuate all aspects of Indigenous cultures related to buffalo, including customs, practices, beliefs, and ceremonies. The City of Lethbridge was also present at the ceremony, adding to the signatures as supporters, too.

Covering more than six million acres in Canada and the U.S., the treaty preserves the buffalo ways through conservation, culture and education.

On Sept. 24, 2014, the first Buffalo Treaty was signed on the Blackfeet Reservation near Browning, Montana. It was signed by eight First Nations, four from the U.S., and four from Canada. Since 2014, around 50 other First Nations have signed the treaty, working in agreement to work toward the educational and environmental objectives of the treaty.

Looking to preserve culture, ecosystems, and the future, the Buffalo Treaty creates a connection towards working together. 

Leroy Little Bear, Vice-Provost for Indigenous Relations at the University said Wednesdays event was historic.

The treaty was first signed on Sept. 24 2014.

The first signatories included the Piikani, Kainai, Siksika, and Tsuut'ina nations of Alberta and the Blackfeet Nation of Montana. Since then over 40 other nations in Canada and the United States have signed on. Institutions and individuals are also able to join as supporters.

Mike Mahon, president and vice-chancellor of the university said the event was symbolic to the relationship between the University and the Nations.

During Indigenous Awareness Week on campus, the university signed on to perpetuate all aspects of Indigenous cultures related to buffalo, including customs, practices, beliefs, and ceremonies.

 

 

 

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