Following the profound impact of our inaugural event last spring, Thom Collegiate is honored to announce the return of The Buffalo Project this May. This landmark land-based learning experience continues our school’s deep commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, cultural revitalization, and the mental wellness of our students.
Honoring Our Roots
Last year, our students, guided by Lucas Blondeau, Elder Frank Caldwell, and Knowledge Keeper Gary Gott, engaged in the respectful processing of buffalo skulls. Rooted in traditional protocols—including pipe ceremonies and smudging—the project allowed students to connect with their identities and the land through the buffalo, a symbol of strength and survival.
A Heartfelt Thank You to Roaming K Bison at Kitzul Farms Ltd. for this year's donation of skulls that was picked up April 11!
An initiative of this magnitude is only possible through the support of community leaders who value Indigenous perspectives. We want to extend our deepest gratitude to Kitzul Farms Ltd. for their incredibly generous donations.
Their partnership goes beyond just a donation; it represents a shared recognition of the importance of cultural experiences and land-based education at Thom Collegiate. We are proud to work with a partner that supports the growth and identity of our students so wholeheartedly.
April 2025 Article in Regina Public Schools monthly INFO magazine:
Expanding the Circle for 2026
This year, the project is growing. We are thrilled to announce that we are expanding to include partnerships with local community organizations. This evolution turns a school-based learning opportunity into a community-wide bridge, fostering deeper ties across Treaty 4 territory.
In a powerful gesture of reciprocity, the finished skulls from this year’s project will be gifted to select organizations that demonstrate an unwavering commitment to supporting and representing Indigenous Education.
What to Expect this May
Throughout the month, the Thom Collegiate courtyard will once again become a sacred space for immersive learning.
- Cultural Revitalization: Students will participate in the physical preservation of the skulls while engaging in teachings regarding the historical and spiritual significance of the buffalo.
- Community Gifting: Watch as our students prepare these teaching artifacts to be sent out into the community to inspire others.
- School-Wide Reflection: Classes and teachers are invited to visit the project site to observe, learn, and grow together.
This project meets multiple components for Indigenous Studies 10/20/30 and Cultural Arts 10/20/30
"The Buffalo Project is more than a lesson; it is a legacy. By gifting these finished pieces, our students are seeing firsthand how cultural knowledge can be used to build and support a wider community."
— Lucas Blondeau, Indigenous Advocate
We look forward to sharing this journey with you. Stay tuned to our website and social media channels for updates and photos as the project unfolds this May!
