OMG Buffalo Hunt Animation
We produced a poignant animated video for the Otipemisiwak Métis Government to honour the historical significance of the buffalo hunt and celebrate the enduring resilience of the Métis Nation.
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OMG CFS Buffalo Hunt Animation
The Otipemisiwak Métis Government is the representative government for Métis Citizens in Alberta, dedicated to advancing the socio-economic and cultural well-being of its people. Its Children and Family Services (CFS) department is dedicated to building strong, resilient, and healthy Métis families across Alberta. By providing culturally appropriate services, CFS ensures that families have access to the support they need while strengthening their connection to Métis knowledge, tradition, and community.
They approached us to help share one of the most defining chapters of their history: the buffalo hunt. They needed a way to translate the vast scale and cultural importance of the hunt—from the "Laws of the Prairies" to the making of pemmican—into a format that would resonate with families and youth today. The goal was to create an educational resource that was not just a history lesson, but a celebration of the democratic, communal, and cultural spirit that defines the Métis people.
Our solutions
To bring this history to life, we created a rich, textured animation that visualizes the expansive prairie landscape and the intricate organization of the hunt. We worked in close consultation with Métis subject matter experts to ensure absolute historical accuracy, meticulously detailing elements like the Red River carts, the specific "Laws of the Hunt," and the vital role women played in processing the harvest.
Our design strategy focused on storytelling through movement and detail. We used dynamic perspective and a syncopated visual rhythm to capture the excitement of the chase, while contrasting it with the structured, communal life of the camp. Great care was taken to portray the figures and horses authentically—ensuring rifles were carried correctly and camp life was depicted accurately—to create a visual narrative that felt true to the ancestors the animation honours.
The payoff
The resulting video is a moving tribute that bridges the past and present. It effectively educates viewers on the tragic decline of the buffalo while powerfully emphasizing that the Métis spirit remains unbroken.
By connecting the historical resilience of the buffalo hunters to the strength of modern Métis families and communities, the video serves as an enduring cultural touchstone, reminding us all that the Métis values of adaptability, resilience, and self-determination continue to thrive.
Carbon Engineering DAC Technology Animation.
