Hundreds of buffalo returned to ancestral lands in nationwide, Indigenous-led movement

More than a dozen Indigenous communities welcomed over 540 buffalo, also known as American bison, back to ancestral grazing lands across the nation late last year as part of a multi-state, Indigenous-led initiative by the InterTribal Buffalo Council (ITBC), Tanka Fund and partner The Nature Conservancy (TNC). The initiative’s goal is to restore this keystone species, which plays a crucial role in spiritual and cultural revitalization, ecological restoration and conservation, food sovereignty, health and economic development for Indigenous Peoples.

Since 2020, partnerships with organizations such as ITBC and Tanka Fund have facilitated the return of over 2,300 buffalo from TNC preserves in Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Oklahoma to Indigenous communities.

In late 2024, 543 buffalo from TNC preserves were transferred to ITBC Member Nations and Tanka Fund caretakers in Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Washington and Wisconsin.

“The buffalo’s journey back to Tribal lands is a journey of healing for the land, our people and future generations,” said Ervin Carlson, ITBC’s Board President. “This past year has marked another step forward, and the future holds even greater possibilities for restoration and growth.”

Buffalo rematriation within Native lands is an essential step in repairing the relationships severed by U.S. government policy and the ensuing violence against Native people, as well as the extensive conversion of natural areas. Each buffalo brought home represents a positive force of partnership and perseverance, supporting sustainable economies, workforce development, youth empowerment, food sovereignty and the preservation of Indigenous knowledge for future generations.  

"Our collaboration with The Nature Conservancy to restore buffalo to their native lands and caretakers not only honors the rich cultural heritage of Indigenous communities, but it also reinforces our shared commitment to ecological restoration and sustainable practices," said Dawn Sherman, Executive Director of Tanka Fund. "Together, we are revitalizing families and communities, healing the land and nurturing a thriving future."

The presence of buffalo, which can weigh upwards of 2,000 lbs., helps build resilience against a changing climate. Bison hooves work the ground to create space for new plants to grow, their droppings provide nutrients for soil microorganisms, and native grass seeds can stick to their fur and disperse as the animals move across the land. Their grazing behavior and the effects they have on the prairie help a wide range of wildflowers, plants, insects and amphibians to flourish.

“The Nature Conservancy is a proud partner of this Indigenous-led movement, and we are thrilled that more than 2,300 buffalo have returned home to their ancestral lands,” said Corissa Busse, Buffalo Restoration Program director for The Nature Conservancy. “The restoration of buffalo has been a profound journey of healing for Indigenous communities and for our prairies and grasslands. Together, we are building a future where culture and ecology thrive.”

About The InterTribal Buffalo Council (ITBC)   
ITBC is a federally chartered Tribal organization, formed in 1992 as a gathering of 17 Tribes. Today, it has a membership of 86 Tribal Nations and growing every year, sharing a mission to restore buffalo to Indian Country to preserve our historical, cultural, traditional, and spiritual relationship for future generations. To reestablish healthy buffalo populations on Tribal lands is to reestablish hope for Indian people. Returning buffalo to Tribal lands will help to heal the land, the animal, and the spirit of Indian people.   

About Tanka Fund  
The Tanka Fund is a Native American-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located on the Pine Ridge Reservation that aims to revitalize Native American buffalo populations, ecosystems and economies. The organization provides grants, technical assistance and other resources to Native American tribal producers that are working to restore buffalo populations and promote sustainable buffalo-based businesses.  
   
About The Nature Conservancy (TNC)   
The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at an unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more sustainable. Working in 76 countries and territories—37 by direct conservation impact and 39 through partners—we use a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector and other partners. To learn more, visit www.nature.org or follow @nature_press on X.