'Relationship building': Bison shoulder mount gifted to Saskatchewan's Legislature

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The Saskatchewan Legislative Building is home to many priceless and symbolic objects. On Dec. 3, a bison shoulder mount joined the list of prestigious symbols on the walls of the caucus meeting room.

The mounted bison shoulder, which includes the head of the bison, up to the shoulder, was unveiled in a ceremony with many officials and producers present.

Keegan Kitzul is the president of the Saskatchewan Bison Association (SBA).

"Today is a monumental day for not only our association, but for all the stakeholders in the country. Being able to gift such a prestigious animal to the legislature as a gift of thanks ... the bison, it's the strongest mammal in North America, and I think it signifies the strength in this room in particular, that with all of us working together, we're going to make a stronger agricultural sector," Kitzul said.

The mount was gifted to the Saskatchewan Legislative Building by the association. Specifically, from the farm of Vice President Merek Wigness.

"I believe that this the symbolism behind this bison here is, is very significant. This bison was 16 years old, so it's quite old for [a] mature bison bull. The mature bison bulls, they have a very strong presence to them,” he explained. “But also, the hair on top of their head will continue to grow as they get older and older. So, the extra hair on top of the head adds a little bit of volume and makes the mount more impressive.”

“They're a very impressive animal," Wigness added.

The gift, and efforts to have it prominently displayed in the legislature, were a joint effort from both the SBA and the National Circle for Indigenous Agriculture and Food (NCIAF).

According to the NCIAF, the gift is intended to represent the bison's important role in shaping Indigenous food systems, and lessons of resilience, unity and harmony with the land.

"It's significant in relationship building. It represents one of our seven grandfather teachings of respect and so bringing that into the legislature as we go forward and build relationships is really important,” explained Kallie Wood, president and CEO of the National Circle for Indigenous Agriculture and Food.

“So, we're really excited to be a part of that."

Wood went on to express that the gift will serve as an important reminder to the decision makers who occupy the caucus meeting room.

"When we talk about reconciliation, this as well, bringing this here, and building that respect and reciprocal listening to one another's voices is really important,” she added.

“So, for us to move forward, we need to do that and bring that to the table."