After his release from prison, he turned his life around for his community
This father of three transformed his life through the Buffalo brought to his reserve by Tearfund.
After spending four years in prison, Waubun* is determined to turn his life around.
Waubun is a devoted father of 3 children and a proud member of Zagime First Nation in Saskatchewan. However, in 2018, he was convicted and spent four years in prison. During that time, Waubun made a promise to himself and his children to turn his life around. After his release in 2022, Waubun secured a job as a heavy machinery operator with Public Works. He had grown up around livestock and equipment, so the work was a good fit. But soon he was called to something even greater.
Eight months into his job, Waubun was unexpectedly called into his manager’s office and was offered a life changing opportunity. His manager told him that the Zagime First Nations’ buffalo herd needed a new caretaker, and they were offering him that position! This opportunity meant everything to Waubun.
In 2019, the Zagime First Nation received a buffalo herd as part of Tearfund Canada’s Bring Back the Buffalo project, and it has transformed the lives of many in the community. This initiative is part of Tearfund’s larger effort to help reconcile the Church with Indigenous peoples who have been deeply hurt by its historical actions. Recognizing the profound cultural and spiritual importance of buffalo to the First Nations, Bring Back the Buffalo seeks to restore this vital connection. By supporting the herd, Tearfund is working to renew Indigenous ties to their land, culture, and history, bringing healing and reconciliation through these sacred animals.
For Waubun to be offered the position of the Buffalo caretaker held great importance to him and the community. However, the offer didn’t come without its challenges. Some members of the community, aware of his past, were hesitant. During his first week as the buffalo caretaker, someone deliberately damaged part of the herd’s fence—a sign that not everyone welcomed him in this position. But Waubun didn’t back down. He called his mentor from Tearfund’s local partner, Loko Koa, and together they repaired the fence. Waubun knew that gaining trust would take time, but he was determined to prove himself.
As weeks passed, his commitment to the herd and his community became evident. His dedication didn’t go unnoticed: the community began supporting his efforts, and even provided a specialized course in livestock management. The certificate he earned now hangs proudly in the office of his manager—a symbol of Waubun’s transformation and the growing confidence the community has in him.
Each day, Waubun rushes home from his job with Public Works, and after spending dinner with his children, he heads out to the paddocks to care for the buffalo. Often, his youngest daughter joins his side. She loves the buffalo as much as he does, always tugging on his arm and asking, “Buffalo, Daddy, can we go see the buffalo?” With great pride, Waubun shares how his children look up to him: “My kids are proud of me. They talk [about] me to their friends, and later their parents come up to me and get excited about the work I am doing,” he shares excitedly. “It’s a real honour.”
For Waubun, working with the buffalo is more than just a job, it’s transformational. “Having this second job keeps me to myself so I don’t get into trouble,” he laughs. “I love this opportunity and want to keep doing it for a long time.” Whenever he guides the buffalo toward the paddock nearer to the people, many members come to watch them and sit near the buffalo. Seeing the deep love and appreciation that the community has for the buffalo fuels Waubun with a sense of purpose.
As Waubun looks to the future, he hopes to continue this role for many years. For now, he’s focused on doing his best for the community, the buffalo, and for his children.
Your generosity is helping to begin the long journey of reconciliation of First Nations peoples with the church and is helping to restore cultural identity. Thank you for taking part in this work and loving others like Jesus does.
*Name changed for privacy