Where the buffalo roam

An article I recently came across in the Toronto Star (March 24) seemed to tie into this course perfectly. Although slightly unconventional in comparison to many of our discussion topics in class, the place, space and scale were all present in one way or another. It is quite evident that many areas of the world today have become developed and in some cases over-developed. The idea of growth and expansion has taken over, certainly in the larger cities and suburbs. Southern Saskatchewan however, has tackled a new goal and that is not only to limit the amount of development in the area but also to remain the dwelling to many of Canada’s prize possession creatures. Although the land had remained untouched by commercial development, there were a few recent additions to the land to make it more closely resemble its original state. The Grasslands National Park has been working to restore 22,260 hectares of native grasslands by incorporating a herd of bison. The bison’s new home, an already historically native area, has now become a dwelling to these species. They have made one with their habitat. They roam the land with ease, and although it is clear that they are territorial and curious of the people who may visit their new home, they are comfortable enough in this place not to become anxious and attack Regardless of where their previous home was, the National Park has proven to be more than suitable in fulfilling the needs of these great beasts.

It was interesting to me how in a world as developed as ours there are still areas that are somewhat untouched by humans. The author and guide for this expedition stayed at the Convent Inn. This temporary dwelling or place was where these people were to spend the next several days while visiting the home or space of Northern Canada’s wildlife. To me, it seemed as though the Park itself was a place inside what would be considered the rest of the untouched land in Saskatchewan. This was a fenced in area (although very large and almost unrecognizable as an enclosed area) that could be paralleled to a person’s home. The Inn also took on the role of a place since it was a temporary dwelling and home base for the people visiting the area. Hotels in general are temporary homes for those who travel so as to give us the sense of security and privacy that our own homes provide while we are miles away.

I thought this article showed the natural beauty of animals settling into a new home, while humans are the guests as they stay in a temporary dwelling.

Toronto Star
March 24, 2007
Where the buffalo roam
by. Margaret Webb