This episode looks at the rapid demise of the bison herds in Canada. By the late 1860’s many of the bison in western Canada’s northern plains were gone, partly because of the Red River Métis bison hunt and the great demand for pemmican by the fur traders. First Nations plains bands faced starvation and moved into Blackfoot territory in search of food. Also discussed: the impact of European settlers and the railroad, the treaty negotiations and the policies of the government including the permit system and the pass system, the epidemics brought by Europeans, First Nations people who transferred to Métis status for scrip and citizenship, and the mis-treatment of people with Indian status.

Featuring: Bill Waiser and Dr. James Daschuk.