kihci-okāwīmāw askiy kiskēyitamikohk (Great Mother Earth Knowledge Centre) signs onto Buffalo Treaty
The International Buffalo Relations Institute, led by Dr. Leroy Littlebear (PhD) and Dr. Tasha Hubbard (PhD), have made significant strides in fostering relationships and understanding around the Buffalo Treaty. One of their notable initiatives is the Buffalo Treaty Research Network (BTRN), which welcomed new members, including kihci-okāwīmāw askiy Knowledge Centre academic director Dr. Melissa Arcand (PhD) and director Candice Pete-Cardoso in 2024
In June 2024, the BRTN held a gathering aimed at building connections and deepening knowledge about the buffalo, the Buffalo Treaty, and ways to support buffalo nations and signatories. These gatherings were pivotal in strengthening the community and advancing the mission of the Buffalo Treaty.
The tenth anniversary of the Buffalo Treaty was celebrated in September 2024. The BTRN generously supported the kihci-okāwīmāw askiy Knowledge Centre to attend these events, reflecting their commitment to fostering collaboration and relationship building.
The anniversary was an opportunity to align the work of the kihci-okāwīmāw askiy Knowledge Centre with ongoing efforts in Buffalo Rematriation. The work around askiy (the land) is intrinsically linked to the buffalo, highlighting the importance of integrating discussions about the buffalo into conversations about history and the relationship between Indigenous peoples and the land.
During the milestone event, kēhtē-ayak (elders), Julie Pitzel and Joseph Naytowhow, kihci-okāwīmāw askiy Knowledge Centre Steering Committee members, signed the Buffalo Treaty as supporters on behalf of the kihci-okāwīmāw askiy Knowledge Centre. Having kēhtē-ayak lead and represent the kihci-okāwīmāw askiy Knowledge Centre at the signing of the Buffalo Treaty demonstrates that the work of the centre is built on the meaningful involvement of kēhtē-ayak.
To honour the kihci-okāwīmāw askiy Knowledge Centre’s commitment to the treaty, Pete-Cardoso will be moderating a panel discussion following a screening of Singing Back the Buffalo on June 19, 2025. Dr. Melissa Arcand will be a panelist along with Dr. Tasha Hubbard and Glenda Abbott. The three panelists, along with friends of the centre, Diandra Bruisedhead and Kyra Northwest, are depicted in the film showcasing a journey they took to the back country of Banff National Park to visit the buffalo.
To learn more about the Buffalo Treaty, visit buffalotreaty.com.