Bison return to Mtis Nation-Saskatchewan lands around Batoche, Sask.

Bison are once again roaming the lands around Batoche, Sask., after an agreement between theMtis Nation-Saskatchewan (MN-S) and Parks Canada.

Last year, MN-S signed a memorandum of understanding with the federal agency to transfer 25bison from Grasslands National Park, in southwestern Saskatchewan,to establish a new herd on MNS lands near Batoche National Historic Sitenorth of Saskatoon.

The bisonweresuccessfully transferred this week.

Eventually, they will roam ona portion of 690 hectares of land transferred from Parks Canada to MNS last July.

The return of the bison holds "enormous cultural significance" to Mtis people, said the MN-S, which representsMtis citizens in Saskatchewan.

Hunting bison in the early daysof the fur trade "allowed Mtis people to develop land-based skills that are in practice today for many Mtis families and provide economic stability," MN-Ssaid.

MN-S vice-president Michelle LeClair said the hope is for the herd to grow to 150 bison, which can then beused for food and educational purposes.

"Our youth will see a tangible demonstration of Mtis tradition and values as our Elders help provide invaluable land-based education. Together, we will bear witness to the growth of the herd as it reclaims the land and allows our Mtis Nation government to explore the opportunities presented to us," LeClair said in a news release.

Batoche,founded in 1872 bya Mtis merchant, has "deep cultural, spiritual and historic significance" forMtispeople in Saskatchewan, the federal government said in a statement announcing the agreement earlier this year.

The area was where,inMay 1885, Mtis leaders Louis Riel, Gabriel Dumont and a Mtis provisional government made their last stand againstarmed federal government forces.

The Grasslands bison herd, which was established in 2005, hasgrown to 400 to 500 animals,and can now be used to establish new herds, according to Parks Canada.