Artist, students create buffalo effigy near Regina Beach

For centuries in the plains surrounding present-day Regina, millions of buffalo roamed the region. The very name of Regina comes from the Cree term ‘oskana kâ-asastêki’ which translates to ‘the place where bones are piled’ – a reference to the bones left along the banks of Wascana Creek.

Now, a new public art installation near Regina Beach is paying tribute to that long and storied history of the buffalo.

Artist and writer Carol GoldenEagle, from Sandy Bay, has created a buffalo effigy near her now-hometown of Regina Beach. The buffalo effigy is made from over 500 rocks and measures at about 12 feet by about 6 feet – roughly the same size as an actual living buffalo.

“This part of the valley is so significant with Indigenous culture and heritage. Let’s remind everyone by saying we’ve always been here and we always will honour the buffalo,” said GoldenEagle.

The buffalo effigy is located on the side of a hill, adjacent to Highway 54, strategically placed so it’s visible to drivers passing by.

GoldenEagle got the idea last year while visiting Lebret, Saskatchewan, which has a similar buffalo art installation outside the town. She applied for a funding grant through the SK Arts in order to cover costs for transportation and building materials.

The rocks come from a nearby protected land, previously owned by the late George Holden, who stated in his will that the land must go in a trust to the Nature Conservancy of Canada, ensuring it should never be commercially developed.

The stones, from that area, seemed to respond to their new purpose, said GoldenEagle.

“I thought it would be onerous to move them but it wasn’t. The stones seemed to be telling us, ‘I want to go. I want to go’.”

To produce the large artwork, GoldenEagle connected with South Shore Elementary School, who sent out their grade 7-8 class to both assist GoldenEagle and learn about the history of the area.

“I’m really happy that the kids were able to help. They were great. Not one kid pulled out a cell phone the entire time,” said GoldenEagle.

The day with the kids included an introduction and prayer by interdisciplinary artist Joely BigEagle-Kequahtooway, hikes in the valley area, and a great deal of camaraderie, said GoldenEagle.

“It was wonderful because the whole day was laughter and helping each other. I love the fact that it was inter-cultural. They were doing something significant to honour the Indigenous history of the valley,” she said.

“I think they’re very proud of themselves for doing it.”