Fort Resolution (July 26/04) - A captive bison herd in Fort Resolution may be looking for a new home. "It's in RWED's hands right now," said Chief Robert Sayine of the Deninu Ku'e First Nation.

Resources Wildlife and Economic Development took over the Hook Lake Bison Project in May after the local committee that ran the project was dissolved.

Sayine said the department will run the 116-animal herd for the summer until a decision is made on its future.

"It's a good program, but what we have to do is move it out of the community," Sayine said.

Elders expressed concern about the environmental and health effects of the facility at the band's annual assembly last November.

In particular, they dislike the spring run-off and the smell in the summer. The fenced-in field and buildings are on the edge of the community, about 100 metres from the nearest home.

"It's just right there," Sayine said.

During a cabinet visit to Fort Res on July 13, RWED Minister Brendan Bell said the department wants to sit down with the community and come up with a plan.

One idea is for the project to become a camp, where young offenders can work and get counselling.

The project started with the capture of disease-free calves from the Hook Lake bison herd, located near Wood Buffalo National Park. The goal is to protect the animals from brucellosis and tuberculosis. "We started this ranch with the understanding that, after five years, the department would do a review," Sayine says, adding no review has taken place.

The project was run by the Aboriginal Wildlife Committee, comprised of representatives of the band, the Fort Resolution Metis Council and trappers at large.