Leroy Little Bear, a prominent figure from the Kainai Nation in southern Alberta, has long championed the integral role of the buffalo in both the ecosystem and Indigenous culture. The buffalo, he asserts, is not only an environmental cornerstone but also a cultural touchstone, shaping the very fabric of life on the grasslands. “The buffalo is a keystone species when it comes to environmental issues, especially out here on the plains. It’s also a keystone species when it comes to culture,” explains Dr. Little Bear, who is known by his Blackfoot name, Iikaisskini, meaning “low horn,” symbolising the buffalo’s protective stance.
The Buffalo’s Role in Ecosystems
Dr. Little Bear refers to the buffalo as an “eco-engineer,” highlighting how their presence fosters biodiversity by attracting various animal and plant species, ultimately helping to maintain ecological balance. This relationship faced near annihilation in the 1880s due to extensive bison hunting across North America, which brought the species to the brink of extinction. In a bid to protect the remaining buffalo, Wood Buffalo National Park was established in 1922, spanning nearly 45,000 square kilometres across Alberta and the Northwest Territories. In 1983, UNESCO recognised its ecological significance by designating it a World Heritage Site, noting not only its diverse habitats but also its critical role in supporting the endangered whooping crane.
The park currently boasts the largest free-roaming wood bison herd globally, with estimates of around 3,000 individuals. However, the ongoing threat to their habitat underscores the persistent challenges faced by protected areas worldwide.
Climate Change and Environmental Pressures
The year 2023 has been particularly devastating for Canada, marked by unprecedented wildfires that have scorched vast areas of Wood Buffalo National Park—nearly double the size of Prince Edward Island. Some of these fires have released carbon emissions comparable to those of entire nations, emphasising the urgent need for effective environmental management.
These environmental pressures are not isolated incidents; they reflect a broader trend where protected areas are increasingly challenged by climate change and human encroachment. A recent UNESCO report titled “People and Nature in UNESCO Sites: Global and Local Contributions” provides a sobering analysis of these challenges. It indicates that while wildlife populations have plummeted by 73 per cent globally since 1970, those within UNESCO-designated sites have shown relative stability.
“Despite the intensifying environmental pressures worldwide, UNESCO-designated sites have been remarkably resilient,” states Talès Carvalho Resende, a natural heritage specialist at UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre. However, the report also warns that nearly 90 per cent of these sites face significant environmental stress, with 98 per cent having experienced extreme climate events since 2000.
A Call for a “Nature Positive” Approach
The Frontiers in Science study, co-authored by Canadian conservationist Harvey Locke and Dr. Little Bear, argues that the global response to biodiversity loss has been hampered by a fundamental misunderstanding of our relationship with nature. “The world runs without people,” Locke asserts. “People don’t run without the world.” This highlights the need for a “nature positive” approach, which calls for urgent action to halt and reverse nature loss by 2030, treating biodiversity with the same urgency as climate change mitigation.
In response to these challenges, Canada has committed to an ambitious nature strategy known as A Force of Nature, pledging $3.8 billion to protect 30 per cent of its lands and waters by 2030. To achieve this, the country must secure an additional 1.6 million square kilometres of land and freshwater, along with 815,000 square kilometres of ocean.
Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin expressed optimism about this endeavour, stating, “These are very big issues: How do we protect the environment? How do we fight climate change? Being able to do the work – that’s a file of hope.”
Indigenous Leadership in Conservation
The significance of Indigenous leadership in conservation efforts cannot be overstated. Canada’s approach to protecting its natural heritage has evolved to recognise the value of Indigenous knowledge systems, which are now seen as foundational rather than supplementary to Western conservation science. The ongoing efforts to revitalise buffalo populations through the International Buffalo Relations Institute, co-founded by Dr. Little Bear, are a prime example of this integration of traditional knowledge and modern conservation practices.
The federal government has also allocated $90 million over five years to a Wood Buffalo World Heritage Site Action Plan, addressing concerns from UNESCO regarding threats from upstream oilsands development and the necessity for stronger co-management with Indigenous communities.
Why it Matters
The relationship between people and nature is crucial, not only for ecological balance but also for cultural identity. As Dr. Little Bear eloquently puts it, “We have to align ourselves, thinking-wise, knowledge-wise, with that buffalo.” The buffalo’s migratory patterns and historical significance remind us of our interconnectedness with the natural world. The recent studies and Canada’s proactive nature strategy indicate a growing recognition that protecting our environment is paramount for future generations. By fostering partnerships between Indigenous communities, scientists, and government bodies, Canada can make significant strides towards a sustainable, nature-positive future, ensuring that both its people and its wildlife thrive.
