Brand

Indigenous artists bring new life to UM’s iconic bison

UM’s bison herd merchandise grows to include t-shirts designed by local Indigenous artists.

Three Indigenous-designed bison illustrations and three squares.
Estimated Read Time:
5 minutes
Bison illustrations by local artists Peatr Thomas, Jordan Stranger (Totem Doodem) and Shaun Vincent.
Bison illustrations by local artists Peatr Thomas, Jordan Stranger (Totem Doodem) and Shaun Vincent.
Estimated Read Time:
5 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.

Throughout the 2025/2026 school year, UM expanded its iconic bison herd with three new illustrations created by local Indigenous artists, each adding new layers of creativity and authenticity to the herd. Now, they’re available on t-shirts at the UM BookStore. 

The first to be released was a striking design titled “Nîpîy Iskôtêw – Water Fire” by Ininew (Swampy Cree) and Anishinabe (Ojibwe) artist Peatr Thomas.

In November 2025, UM unveiled "Buffalo Teachings" by Jordan Stranger (Totem Doodem), 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. 

To coincide with Louis Riel Day in February 2026, "The Fearless Protector" by Shaun Vincent, Métis artist, designer and entrepreneur was released. Vincent's work blends Indigenous knowledge with Western design, guided by Elder teachings and the principle of "Two-Eyed Seeing."

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 (Michif) 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.

From his perspective, Vincent says, "Historically, it [buffalo] shaped our laws, guided our beliefs, and taught us what resilience truly means. It became a centrepiece of our world and helped define our identity as Métis people."

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 (Totem Doodem)

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 (Totem Doodem), Anishinaabe artist and graphic designer.
"The Fearless Protector" by Shaun Vincent

"A sacred being, the buffalo embodies courage, pride, and above all, protection. The way a buffalo moves through the world mirrors the journey of the Red River Métis itself. Our struggles during the birth of this country are a powerful example: just as the buffalo meets a storm head-on, we have always faced our challenges directly. Whether standing our ground to protect our rights and our homeland, fighting to maintain and revitalize our language, or striving to reclaim the lands where our ancestors once hunted and fished freely. The buffalo has shown us that strength comes from standing together, protecting our young, and moving forward with purpose. Our connection to the buffalo is both spiritual and physical, woven deep into who we are.  

I’ve always loved how the buffalo’s fur is rough, wild, tangled. Full of life and full of story. It’s complex, yet perfect in the way it protects her and her herd. I wanted that same rhythm in the design: layers that echo this complexity and strength. With her calf tucked beneath her powerful head and shoulders, she is fully aware, fully present and always protecting."

Illustration of bison
"The Fearless Protector" bison illustration by Shaun Vincent, award-winning Métis artist, designer and entrepreneur.
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.

Look good. Do good. Feel good. 

These exclusive designs are now available on t-shirts. You can find them at the UM BookStore in UMSU University Centre or online. Shop the collection and wear the herd with pride.

Five dollars ($5) from each sale goes to the Indigenous Student Success Fund. This fund helps nurture Indigenous excellence at UM by investing in wrap‑around supports that enable success, providing culturally grounded supports, dedicated community spaces and the guidance of more than 20 Elders and Knowledge Keepers embedded across faculties.

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

At UM, we are working together to advance reconciliation for transformative change, which is among the commitments you’ll find in MomentUM: Leading change together, the University of Manitoba’s 2024–2029 strategic plan.