Relocated bison herd returns to Métis land in northern Alberta.

Twenty wood bison were moved from Elk Island National Park to a Willow Lake Métis Nation ranch near Anzac as part of a $50-million, multi-year food sustainability plan.

Twenty wood bison were released into a fenced portion of a new Willow Lake Métis Nation ranch near the hamlet of Anzac, about 50 kilometres southeast of Fort McMurray. The animals were relocated from Elk Island National Park and greeted by about 30 elders and community leaders during the transfer. The ranch is part of a larger $50-million, multi-year food sustainability plan and will include other agriculture and tourism elements. Leaders say elders will share harvesting knowledge and the project aims to support local food access and cultural practices. Key facts: - 20 wood bison were moved from Elk Island National Park to the Willow Lake Métis Nation ranch. - The ranch property totals 82 hectares, with 16 hectares initially set aside for the bison. - The relocation is part of a $50-million, multi-year food sustainability plan for the community. - Future plans for the site include hens, honey bees, greenhouses, hydroponics, community gardens, and cultural tourism features such as an Indigenous medicine walk and a visitors' centre. - Community leaders and an adviser from Cyrus Bison expect the herd to grow and note ecological effects such as soil aeration and habitat changes reported as likely. Summary: The relocation marks a community-led step intended to restore bison to traditional lands and to support local food security and cultural practices. Longer-term plans include expanding agriculture and tourism features and involving elders in harvests and skills transfer as the project develops.