Co-op is excited to announce a new co-branded line of bison products in collaboration with Wanuskewin Heritage Park. Recipes were developed by Wanuskewin’s culinary team as a celebration of the sacred spirituality and strength of the bison and its kinship with Plains Indigenous Peoples. Artwork on the packaging was created by Linus Woods, a Dakota/Ojibway artist from the Long Plain First Nation in Southern Manitoba.

A portion of sales proceeds support cultural education programs at Wanuskewin, which is going to be “really valuable to everybody who comes to the park and participates in these programs,” says Carmen Ironstar, Indigenous Relations Manager at Federated Co-operative Limited (FCL).

Wanuskewin, which has been a traditional gathering place for all Northern Plains Indigenous Nations for over 6,400 years, is located in Treaty Six Territory, and the Homeland of the Métis on the edge of Saskatoon, SK. This proposed UNESCO World Heritage Site provides a unique space for guests from around the world to celebrate the evolving Indigenous cultures of the prairies.

Darlene Brander, CEO of Wanuskewin Heritage Park, also foresees positive effects as a result of this collaboration, not only at Wanuskewin itself, but across Western Canada. “Whether you are in B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan or Manitoba, you'll see our products, you'll eat our products, and then you'll be able to learn a little bit more about Wanuskewin,” she said. “You’ll also see reconciliation in action — that coming together in innovative, creative ways to elevate the understanding and appreciation of Indigenous cultures. And this is one of the ways that we are being innovative, creative and delicious.”

Made with Alberta bison and processed in Saskatoon, the CO-OP^® GOLD Bison products are available at Co-op Food Stores across Western Canada. Try Western Canadian bison burgers, smokies, bison sticks or jerky.

*Products are not sourced from Wanuskewin’s conservation and spiritual teaching bison herd.