Community

Indigenous artists bring new life to UM’s iconic bison

With community guidance and the vision of local Indigenous artists, UM’s bison herd grows.

Illustration of bison skull
Estimated Read Time:
3 minutes
"Buffalo Teachings" bison illustration by Jordan Stranger, Anishinaabe artist and graphic designer.
"Buffalo Teachings" bison illustration by Jordan Stranger, Anishinaabe artist and graphic designer.
Estimated Read Time:
3 minutes

Bison have always been at the heart of the University of Manitoba. More than a symbol, they carry stories of strength, resilience and belonging—values shared across the UM community. This year, that story grows even stronger.

UM is expanding its iconic bison herd with four new illustrations created by local Indigenous artists that will be released throughout the 2025/26 school year, each adding new layers of creativity and authenticity to the herd. The first to be released was a striking design titled “Nîpîy Iskôtêw – Water Fire” by Ininew (Swampy Cree) and Anishinabe (Ojibwe) artist Peatr Thomas.

The newest bison illustration, "Buffalo Teachings," was created by Jordan Stranger, an Anishinaabe artist and graphic designer, originally from Peguis First Nation. Stranger uses his life experiences and spiritual practice learned through Ojibwe teachings to drive his artistic passions. 

This initiative is a true act of collaboration. UM’s Office of the Vice-President (Indigenous) partnered with the Strategic Marketing and Communications unit to commission and champion the new designs. Through thoughtful consultations, members of the UM Indigenous community were invited to participate in the process and offered feedback on initial artist concepts, helping ensure the expanded herd reflects both artistic vision and shared storytelling from community voice.

“The bison is a sacred relative for Indigenous Peoples; one that represents strength, survival and kinship,” says Angie Bruce, Vice-President (Indigenous). “By inviting Indigenous artists to expand UM’s herd, and by listening to the Indigenous campus community throughout the process, we are honouring those teachings while celebrating Indigenous excellence in a very visible way. These bison will remind our community that we move forward together, grounded in both tradition and innovation.”

Two male Elders and a female staff member.
Elder Norman Meade (left), Grandfather-in-residence Wanbdi Wakita (right) and Carla Loewen (middle), director of the Indigenous Student Centre.
Banners of two half bison attached to an administration building with a centre banner with text reading: "We are all bisons"
Peatr Thomas' bison illustration, Nîpîy Iskôtêw – Water Fire, affixed to UM's Administration Building.

Launched in 2022, UM’s “What Kind of Bison Are You?” student recruitment campaign introduced a bold collection of illustrated bison, each reflecting the diversity and individuality of our campus to a prospective student audience.

While every illustration carries its own unique energy, together they form a powerful herd—now central to UM’s brand expression. The bison have extended beyond student recruitment to represent our entire community of students, staff, faculty and alumni. Ever-evolving and expanding, the herd is built to grow … just like the university it represents.

Now, that vision is inspired into action.

Inspiring the future by honouring the past

For First Nations and Métis people across the prairies, the bison is more than an animal. It is a relative and a teacher. It sustained communities for generations providing food, shelter, tools and carrying spiritual teachings. The expansion of UM’s herd evokes survival, renewal and collective memory.

“In Anishinaabe culture, the Bison represents Respect. It also teaches us that nothing should be wasted—its entire being was used with purpose, embodying values of sustainability and gratitude. May we walk with the same awareness, and respect for the world around us,” says Thomas in his artist’s statement.

Nîpîy Iskôtêw – Water Fire by Peatr Thomas

His bison, “Nîpîy Iskôtêw – Water Fire,” reflects the teachings mentioned above through its layered design and symbolic elements. His statement continues:

“This piece represents the Bison as a sacred, resilient being—one that has sustained generations and remains a symbol of strength, sustainability and guidance. The blue eyes reflect water, speaking to the Bison’s deep connection to the land and importance of water for all life. The orange Spirit lines flow through and around the Bison, representing protection and guidance, while also visualizing the connections between body, spirit and the land.”

Illustration of Indigenous bison
"Nîpîy Iskôtêw–Water Fire" bison illustration by Peatr Thomas, Ininew (Swampy Cree) and Anishinabe (Ojibwe) artist, entrepreneur and youth workshop facilitator.
"Buffalo Teachings" by Jordan Stranger

Drawing on life experiences and teachings, Stranger’s design, “Buffalo Teachings,” carries positive life lessons that strengthen UM’s herd: 

"Paskwawi-mostos have been a major part of my life since I was a child. I care for a red buffalo skull as I am a Sundancer. It has taught me and my family many positive life lessons. When we are in need of guidance we look to the animals and the land. I hope when someone looks at this design it inspires something good in them. Ekosi."

Illustration of bison skull
"Buffalo Teachings" bison illustration by Jordan Stranger, Anishinaabe artist and graphic designer.
Five people wearing t-shirts with a Peatr Thomas designed bison stand in front of large UM letters.
Peatr Thomas’ bison illustration, Nîpîy Iskôtêw – Water Fire, on t-shirts handed out at Indigenous Orientation 2025.

In 2026, two more Indigenous artists will contribute their voices to the herd, ensuring UM’s bison symbol continues to evolve with both tradition and innovation. Stay tuned to see the new bison and learn about the artists’ interpretations.

Just as bison once roamed the prairies together, UM’s herd reflects the student, faculty, staff, alum and community partner collective journey … inspired by possibility and moving forward together toward a stronger future.

By

Andrea Di Ubaldo