Support ShagowAskee’s Wabasca and Ghost Herd Protection and Cultural Stewardship Project
The Wabasca and Ghost Herds — two of the last remaining disease-free, free-roaming wood bison groups in Northern Alberta — are at immediate risk of disappearing. Once in the hundreds, their numbers have declined sharply to as few as 10 individuals. Buffalo habitat is under increasing pressure from industrial activity, road access, and ecological disruption.
ShagowAskee, representing Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and land users from Little Red River Cree Nation and Tallcree First Nation, seeks support to advance an Indigenous-led stewardship initiative to protect the Wabasca and Ghost Herds, monitor their movements, safeguard their habitat, uphold Treaty Rights, and raise awareness about the herds’ cultural and ecological significance.
Your donation will support monitoring, fieldwork, planning, equipment, community engagement, legal support, and development of a long-term conservation strategy.
Why this work is important
The Wabasca and Ghost Herd's habitat is in the traditional territory of Little Red River Cree Nation and Tallcree First Nation located within Treaty 8, Northern Alberta. These are two of the last free-roaming, disease-free wood bison herds in the province who are occupying their native range.
Immediate action is required to prevent the loss of the herd, monitor the animals, protect habitat, and take steps towards long-term recovery.
About the project
Our work aims to protect and preserve the Wabasca and Ghost Herds through Indigenous-led monitoring, stewardship, and cultural knowledge integration. The project will be guided by ShagowAskee, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, local trappers, and community members of Little Red River Cree Nation and Tallcree First Nation.
The long term goal for our work is to recover the population to a size where the relationship between communities and the animals is recovered and the buffalo can be sustainably used for cultural practices and food security. We are working to achieve this by:
- Document and monitor the herd
- Protect critical habitat areas
- Strengthen Indigenous stewardship capacity
- Raise awareness
- Uphold Treaty Rights
- Develop a long-term recovery plan
For the past several years, the ShagowAskee team has been conducting field monitoring, habitat assessment, community engagement, youth involvement, outreach materials, and coordination. Your donation will directly support our team to ensure this work can continue.
