Bison convention roams through Saskatoon

After bison almost became extinct in the late 1800s, work to conserve and produce the animal continues.

The International Bison Convention is being held in Saskatoon this week.

The event brings together people from all aspects of the industry to collaborate and find the best ways to take care of and keep bison herds healthy.

Organizer and Canadian Bison Association president Les Kroeger says Saskatoon was the perfect place to hold the convention.

“It was just a good opportunity to showcase our province and the beautiful city of Saskatoon,” Kroeger said, noting much of the industry does business here.

“We just thought Saskatchewan is one of the hubs, the heartland of the bison industry.”

International Bison Convention 2022 at TCU Place in Saskatoon. (Steve Seto/650 CKOM)

There have been a number of speakers throughout the week, including people who have operated bison herds and ranches for more than 50 years.

And having that much experience, there was no opposition to holding it here.

“We have about 80 per cent of the national bison herd located in the prairies and Saskatchewan plays a major role in the industry,” Kroeger said.

When they presented the idea of holding the convention in Saskatoon Kroeger said he was met with the response: “Go ahead and plan it.”

There are many aspects to taking care of bison, as Kroeger adds there needs to be a lot of co-operation between Indigenous people, conservationists, researchers and commercial producers in order to maintain healthy herds.

The International Bison Convention wraps up on Friday.