After 138 Years, Bison Return to Native American Lands in a Powerful Cultural Revival

For generations, bison have held deep cultural, spiritual, and practical importance for many Native American tribes. Now, their return to tribal lands is helping restore a connection that was severely disrupted more than a century ago.

In July 2023, the Eastern Shoshone Tribe in Wyoming reached a milestone when bison harvested from its own land were served during its annual Sun Dance ceremonies for the first time in 138 years. The multiday ceremony includes dancing, fasting, and prayer, and bison have long played an important role in the community’s traditions.

The return of the animals is part of a broader effort by Indigenous communities across the United States and Canada to rebuild their herds. During the 19th century, mass hunting drove North America’s bison population close to extinction. The slaughter also harmed Native American communities that depended on the animals for food, materials, and cultural practices.

Today, tribal-led conservation programs are helping bring bison back while supporting grassland ecosystems. For many Indigenous people, the effort means much more than wildlife restoration. It represents cultural renewal, stewardship of ancestral lands, and the recovery of a relationship that has endured across generations.

Source: nytimes