Buffalo Futurism

Buffalo Futurism is the second phase of our Respond to Racism: Digital Monuments public art program. In collaboration with Indigenous and settler artists in Saskatchewan, Common Weal Community Arts uses digital technologies and Augmented Reality (AR) to share histories of Indigenous communities. 

Narrated by Indigenous interdisciplinary artist Joely BigEagle-Kequahtooway, Buffalo Futurism transforms māmowimīwēyitamōwin Park (formerly Regent Pool Park) into an Indigenous futuristic setting where Tatanga, also known as Buffalo, have returned to the land and roam freely. With the app, participants can listen to audio stories about the buffalo and interact with animated digital 3D crocuses, tipis, Buffalo, zombies, and more right in the park. They will learn about the myth of the “disappearing” Buffalo, about the Buffalo Treaty, and its efforts to restore the interdependent physical, spiritual, and cultural relationship between the Buffalo and humans.

Community consultations for this program took place in the fall of 2021 and were led by settler artist and scholar Evie Johnny Ruddy and mestizo media artist Rene Dufour-Contreras. The consultations resulted in a pilot project titled ᑲᓇᐁᐧᔨᒧᐁᐧᐃᐧᐣ (kanaweyimowewin), which means “to protect” in Cree. Following this pilot project, Common Weal began Phase 1 of the Digital Monuments project, to facilitated AR workshops at four schools in southern Saskatchewan: Scott Collegiate in Regina, Nakoda Oyade Education Centre in Carry the Kettle First Nation, Peepeekisis Pesakastew School in Peepeekisis Cree Nation, and Indian Head High School—with a total of 53 students in attendance. For Phase 2, digital media artists, Taylor McArthur, Kistin Ballantyne, and acâhkos calf child-dubois collaborated with Joely and Rene to create the AR experience in māmowimīwēyitamōwin Park located just north of Regina’s Washington Park neighbourhood at Elphinstone Street and McKinley Avenue. The music for the app was created by Jason Chamakese.

On June 18, 2024, the Buffalo Futurism app was officially launched at a grand ceremony. Under the mesmerizing clouds, people of all walks of life travelled across Saskatchewan to gather among the tall grass at māmowimīwēyitamōwin Park, Treaty 4, for a jubilant celebration of Tatanga’s return. Students from Mother Theresa Middle School engaged in a day of cultural activities as part of the launch event and ceremony. As elder Faye Sioux John remarked at that morning’s pipe ceremony, it was a beautiful day for which we have much to be thankful. Common Weal is grateful to our team of incredible artists, partners, and volunteers who have worked tirelessly for years to bring the magic and beauty into reality. 

Buffalo Futurism is a partnership between Common Weal Community Arts and Buffalo People Arts Institute. Common Weal Community Arts received funding from the Department of Canadian Heritage, and SaskCulture to create Buffalo Futurism. The City of Regina assisted with the design and installation of a permanent sign in the park with information on how to access the app, while the Creative Technologies Department at the Faculty of Media Art and Performance, University of Regina, provided us with tablets for the app launch. We also received funding from Sask Interactive and SaskTel to support the Media Launch and Feast at the park.