Buffalo Party fundraiser proceeds smoothly amid indigenous-led protests

Buffalo Party of Saskatchewan hosted a lively fundraiser in Regina on Saturday, drawing attendees from across the province to discuss controversial topics like Canada potentially becoming the fifty-first state, while a small group of protesters criticized the event’s name and agenda as disrespectful to indigenous values.

The event took place at the Regina German Club, where a mock vote saw 55% support for joining the United States, though the Buffalo Party stressed the poll was symbolic and not official policy.

The gathering included speeches on healthcare, nuclear energy, government spending, and education, alongside a comedy act by Buffalo Party candidate Tim Kasprick portraying a pro-US “alter ego.”

Outside, a small group of protestors with the Buffalo People Arts Institute rallied against the party’s use of the word “buffalo,” which holds deep cultural significance for many indigenous communities. 

Joely BigEagle-Kequahtooway, a protest organizer and co-founder of the institute, said the party’s policies clash with efforts to honour the animal’s historical ties to indigenous peoples.  

“The buffalo’s connection to us is in our DNA. Their name and actions show no respect for that,” said BigEagle-Kequahtooway. 

“If they’re truly grassroots, they should address issues affecting indigenous people.”  

Buffalo Party Leader Phil Zajac defended the event as a forum for open debate, noting security was hired due to online threats. 

Regina Police Service monitored the event, though no major clashes occurred. 

Some attendees, like Grenfell resident Lloyd Hauser, criticized protesters for disrupting dialogue. 

“Since when can’t we discuss ideas in a democracy,” said Hauser.  

Inside, speakers included Lee Harding, a journalist arguing against separation, and Lise Merle, a school trustee candidate criticizing “radical gender ideology” in education. 

Protesters outside chanted, “No Trump, No KKK,” linking the fifty-first state theme to “far-right US politics.”  

Kaitlyn Abel, a protester, said she attended to counter the party’s “far-right rhetoric.” 

“They’ve been emboldened too long,” said Abel.

Meanwhile, Zajac called the event a success, highlighting the room full of people attending the event and lively discussions.

Though tensions flared briefly as some attendees argued with protesters, the fundraiser concluded without disruption.

Security escorted a Western Standard reporter and several columnists to their vehicles following threats, a precaution not needed for other media.

The Buffalo Party, founded in 2020, has yet to win a seat in the legislature but plans to run candidates in the 2028 provincial election.

Saturday’s event reinforced its focus on lively debates, even as critics question its name and motives.  

For now, the party insists its events will continue pushing boundaries. 

“We’re about free speech,” said Zajac. 

“Healthy debate is what democracy looks like.”