Bison: American Icon opens May 31 at Lloydminster Museum + Archives

Lloydminster, AB/SK— Lloydminster Museum + Archives (LMA) invites visitors to explore the story of the bison — America’s national mammal — through Bison: American Icon, a travelling exhibition on display beginning May 31, 2025.

The exhibit traces the bison’s journey from its significance to Indigenous hunters through the era of industrial exploitation to modern conservation efforts and today’s producers and enthusiasts. Focusing on bison as a shared resource, the exhibit highlights the past, present, and future of this iconic North American species.

“The Bison exhibition connects closely with Alberta and Saskatchewan communities, is historically significant to both bison and this region, and provides a deeper understanding of the bison’s cultural, ecological and spiritual importance,” said Sarah Hockridge, Museum Technician, Lloydminster Museum + Archives.

Bison invites visitors of all ages to learn about the role of bison in Indigenous cultures, where it served as a vital resource for food, clothing, shelter, and tools. The relationship between people and bison shifted dramatically with the closing of the frontier and the arrival of settlers whose livestock competed for resources during a time of climate and habitat change. The industrial commodification of bison for hides and bones in the late 19th century further impacted the species.

The exhibit also explores recent chapters of the bison story — from conservation efforts and genetic diversity research to the challenges and opportunities of modern bison production. It highlights the role of the National Buffalo Foundation in fostering a community of stakeholders dedicated to preserving and promoting the bison’s legacy.

The language used in the exhibit reflects the diversity of terms preferred by Indigenous peoples across North America. While the exhibit was developed in the United States, where terms such as “Indian” and “Native” are commonly used, Lloydminster Museum + Archives recognizes and respects the use of the term “Indigenous” in Canada, which includes First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples.

The exhibit was created through a collaboration between the National Endowment for the Humanities, the National Buffalo Foundation, the National Buffalo Museum in Jamestown, N.D., Upland Exhibits (formerly Flint Hills Design), and the exhibit team at Kauffman Museum in North Newton, Kansas.

Bison: American Icon will be on exhibit at Lloydminster Museum + Archives, 4207 44th Street, from May 31 to September 5, 2025. The gallery is open Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, visit Lloydminster.ca/Exhibits.