Member Statement (3 December 2024)

From Hansard (3 December 2024)

 

Bison Head Installed in Legislative Building

Blaine McLeod: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Visitors to the legislature will notice an exciting and magnificent new addition in room 218. In conjunction with the Saskatchewan Bison Association and the National Circle for Indigenous Agriculture, a bison head has been installed in this important meeting room. This is dedicated to the people of Saskatchewan on behalf of the ranchers, First Nations, parks, universities, and conservation groups who raise bison.

Mr. Speaker, the bison — tatanka in Lakota and paskwâwi-mostos in Plains Cree — is an important symbol for Indigenous groups across the plains. The bison epitomizes life, abundance, and self-sacrifice. This symbol will stand as a reminder that government should work for others, for the people. To imitate the bison is one of the most highly respected ways of behaving, Mr. Speaker. To be generous and give what you have to others in need is indeed an honourable way of living.

On behalf of this government, we are proud to welcome guests from the bison association and the National Circle for Indigenous Agriculture & Food. Thank you to Murray Feist, Merek Wigness, and Kallie Wood for their words during the ceremony earlier today. And thank you to all dignitaries who joined us for this ceremony. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.