Apr 12, 2024
The Cowessess First Nation’s importation request was denied for the gift of 20 bison from the Fort Peck Indian Reservation.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency denied it because the United States Department of Agriculture did not test for Bovine Tuberculosis. This test is not done in the United States but is required by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency before the bison herd can be brough into Canada.
The government agencies are working together to figure out a way or a test that will satisfy both parties. The Cowessess First Nation is continuing to work with all government agencies to bring the herd to Cowessess.
The Fort Peck bison are found grazing in Yellowstone National Park. The Yellowstone bison have the highest genetic rating and are considered pure. These bison have not had contact with outside bison herds for hundreds of years and have been isolated to Yellowstone National Park.