Between September 19 and November 13, members of Alberta First Nations are authorized to conduct a ceremonial bison hunt within Banff National Park. This third sanctioned event represents a partnership betewen Parks Canada and local Indigenous leaders.
The September 19 to November 13 window for ceremonial harvests
Parks Canada has designated a specific timeframe and location for this year's cultural practice, closing a section of the Red Deer River valley bottom between McConnell Creek and the east boundary of Banff National Park. This restricted access ensures that the ceremonial activities can proceed without interference from the general public, creating a sanctuary for traditional practices. According to a news release from Parks Canada, the initiative was developed in close coordination with the Indigenous Advisory Circle (IAC) for Banff National Park.
The closure of the Red Deer River valley bottom is a logistical necessity that underscores the significance of the hunt. By removing tourist and recreational traffic from the area, Parks Canada is facilitating a space where Indigenous-led stewardship can take center stage. This arrangement reflects a broader shift in how the agency manages federal lands, moving toward a model of shared governance with the IAC.
One bison per party for the Bearspaw, Siksika, and other paritcipating Nations
The scope of the hunt is limited to specific groups, including the Bearspaw, Chiniki,Goodstoney, Siksika, Kainai, Piikani, and Tsuut’ina First Nations, as well as the Rocky View Métis District of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government. To maintain the ecological balance of the herd, Parks Canada has implemented a strict limit of one bison per hunting party. This ensures that the harvest remains ceremonial rather than commercial or purely subsistence-based.
The actual harvest numbers have remained low relative to the population. As the report says, only three of a possible eight bison were harvested in 2024, and a single bison was taken in 2025. These figures suggest that the primary value of the event for the participating First Nations is not the quantity of meat acquired, but rather the opportunity for cultural knowledge exchange and a spiritual reconnection with the land.
Moving past "people out, nature in" with 130 roaming plains bison
The return of the bison to Banff National Park is part of a larger "ecocultural" strategy. For decades, Western conservation followed a "people out, nature in" philosophy, which viewed human presence as inherently detrimental to wilderness. Parks Canada is now explicitly rejecting that model, arguing that humans and their cultural practices—including traditional hunting—are essential components of a healthy ecosystem.
This shift is supported by the successful growth of the herd. In 2017, Parks Canada reintroduced 16 plains bison into the park; today, there are more than 130 animals roaming the landscape. The presence of a sustainable population allows the agency to integrate Indigenous harvesting practices back into the land management plan without threatening the survival of the species.
Who determines the "maximum eight" bison limit?
Despite the transparency regarding the participating Nations, several details remain unclear. For instaance, the source mentions a "maximum eight" bison limit for 2024, but it does not explain the biological or administrative criteria used to determine that specific number. It remains unknown if this cap fluctuates based on the annual growth rate of the 130-plus bison or if it is a fixed political agreement between Parks Canada and the IAC.
Additionally, the report does not specify how the harvested bison are distributed among the participating communities or what specific ceremonial rites accompany the hunt. While the agency emphasizes "cultural knowledge exchange," the precise nature of these exchanges—and whether they are open to youth members of the First Nations—is not detailed in the current reporting.
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