Bring Back the Buffalo
“At first, I thought this would not be that important, but the buffalo have become a tangible symbol of reconciliation for our people. We have a sense of pride. The buffalo are back on our land. It has given our people, both young and old a sense of pride. It has helped us lift our heads up. We are appreciated.
As a Christian, they are a symbol of the majestic splendor of God’s creation.”
—From Pastor Bill Desnomie – First Nation Pastor of LOV Ministries and former Peepeekisis First Nation Band Council Member
Reconciliation can be an important step in bringing hope to peoples who live with the realities of injustice. In Canada, we don’t need to look outside our borders to find opportunities for reconciliation. For hundreds of years, First Nations peoples suffered under unjust social systems and attitudes which created barriers to actively participating in their languages, cultural expression and traditions, and healthy communities. One example of the injustice that First Nations peoples have experienced was the intentional hunting and eradication of buffalo herds that once roamed the Canadian prairie provinces. Learn more about the significance of the buffalo to prairies First Nations.
FAIR is partnering with Tearfund to help bring the buffalo back to Treaty 4 land. FAIR’s Bring Back the Buffalo mini appeal is seeking to raise $20,000 to contribute to the gifting and establishment of four starter herds to First Nations peoples in the area. We will be working hand-in-hand with Tearfund to accomplish their vision “to plant at least ten Buffalo herds on First Nations land as an act of reconciliation, identity restoration, friendship, and the love of our Creator.”
How You Can Help
Give
You can help provide a part of what is needed to establish a new herd. The First Nations community along with many church partners are contributing to cover the costs of each new herd.
Learn
Learn more about First Nations culture from communities that are near you.
Check out the Fellowship’s list of resources on this subject.
Pray
All acts of reconciliation need to be rooted in prayer. Pray for God to heal broken relationships and for Canada to be known as a country that seeks reconciliation.