On September 27, the Writers Festival hosted a special National Day of Truth and Reconciliation event featuring INISKIM – Return of the Buffalo, a stunning documentary on Niitsítapi-led buffalo restoration and cultural renewal. Blending powerful storytelling with life-size puppetry, the film creates an immersive and moving introduction to Indigenous ways of knowing.

The evening opened with a smudging ceremony and prayer by storyteller and knowledge keeper Louise Profeit-Leblanc, grounding us in respect, intention, and community. Honoured guest, Gilbert Whiteduck, a trailblazer for Indigenous social justice and education, accompanied Louise and also offered remarks on the significance and importance of the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. 

After the screening, Gilbert moderated a lively discussion with co-directors, Amethyst First Rider and Pete Balkwill (joining virtually). Youth from the Assembly of Seven Generations and representatives from the Buffalo Cultural Collective attended and spoke about their work to heal the severed relationship with the Buffalo through workshops, knowledge-sharing amongst Indigenous people.

The sold-out audience closed the night with warm conversation, reflection and connection and delicious pastries from Indigenous-owned Kîsisam Patisserie.