2024 INTERN RESEARCH PAPERS
Harmony in the Grasslands: Bison and Producers Creating a Sustainable Future
By NICOLE COURNOYER, 2024 Tanka Fund intern
There has been considerable discussion on which grazing animals have a more positive impact on restoring their pastures. Bison graze vastly differently from cattle, with a diverse diet that decreases overgrazing and requires minimal human interaction with less artificial feeds and medicines. They also have a lower carbon footprint because of their efficient digestive system. While much credit goes to the bison, the producers who care for them deserve praise for their sustainable practices in the grasslands and farms. Producers from South Dakota, Kansas, and Texas have claimed that with the correct type of management, bison can be one of the most economically and environmentally sustainable. Not only will the grasses, soil, and water improve, but Producers have noticed many pollinators reappearing and doing their part in maintaining the grasslands. While they are an obvious choice for many, bison could do more harm than good to the ranchers’ wallet and their land if not managed correctly. With the foundational context established, the discussion now shifts to the first critical aspect of the debate.
It is no secret that the beef and dairy industry are considerable contributors to the economy, but they are also one of the biggest producers of greenhouse gases that are harmful to the health and well-being of humans. Maintaining cows for dairy and beef requires several resources while constantly releasing methane gas and nitrous oxide, thus contributing to more and more heat captured in the atmosphere. The numbers do not lie regarding harmful gasses, “Animal agriculture is the single largest source of methane emissions in the U.S., and methane is 80 times more powerful than CO2 at warming the Earth over 20 years”. Moreover, this rising temperature has the ability to devastate “elderly or immunocompromised ‘people’ and will increase the rate of heart-related illness and death.” (“Animal Agriculture, the Climate Crisis, and Disease | PETA”). Information from the EPA is very eye-opening to many; dairy and beef products are some of the most in-demand products in the U.S. Seeing how detrimental these animals' maintenance is to the environment and future health risks is absurd. While these drawbacks are notable, additional evidence provides a more comprehensive understanding of the situation.
Furthermore, information from the EPA is elaborated on because Texas is a prominent cattle ranching state. In the Texas panhandle, the Southwest Feedyard “holds 45,000 head of cattle in bare-dirt pens for months at a time, fattening the animals on flaked corn before sending them to slaughter” (Collins). Many residents in the area have submitted formal complaints to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality with little to no action to resolve the matter of fecal dust blowing around the town. There is a common notion in the cities surrounding the feed yard that residents are contracting various illnesses due to the fecal matter blowing around the neighborhoods. Many complain of difficulty breathing, constant coughing, and sneezing. Continued exposure to the manure particulate matter for the immunocompromised may lead to increased complications with asthma, irregular heartbeat, and death in extreme cases for those with heart and lung disease. The deplorable conditions of the Texas Panhandle only corroborate the numerous ways the dairy and beef industry have created toxic environments for animals and humans alike.
Inversely, a successful ranch, Uses the Knife Ranch, run by Gail Uses the Knife, on the Northwestern part of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe practices rotational grazing on her lands. This practice is exponentially beneficial to the land and the animals, which includes increasing soil health, forage quality, and quantity, preventing over and under-grazing -reducing feed costs by pasture feeding -and minimizing drought by not over-grazing and leaving lands with ground cover. Gail is a smart rancher who uses this practice on her land. She uses the Knife and plans to use her 80-pair Angus herd for the local Farm to School program, which will utilize only organic, locally raised beef and bison meat in the school lunch meals. Although the dairy and beef industry has numerous negative impacts on the plants and the people, Uses the Knife Ranch demonstrates smart climate practices that will contribute to a healthy, sustainable agricultural community and help offset these negative impacts. Another ranch that validates the work Gail is striving to do is GP Ranch, cared for by Chris and Theda Pogue. Their land in Sulphur Springs, Texas, houses 12 bison and two beef cattle for personal use. The Pogues are advocates and educators for many who believe the bison should be treated as cattle in terms of fattening up for slaughter therefore garnering a higher market profit. Both GP and Uses the Knife Ranch urge community members to support local farmers when looking to purchase meat. By supporting local ranchers, consumers can avoid the negative impacts of feedlots, making it increasingly necessary to shift away from commercially purchased beef.
Bison roam more intuitively as they graze the grasslands than their bovine counterparts. This continuous movement, as well as their heavy hoofs pushing and spreading new seed, allows for the grasses and forbs/forage to replenish for future grazing purposes. According to The Aggie Transcript, Where the Bison Roam, and the Dung Beetles Roll: How American Bison, Dung Beetles, and Prescribed Fires are Bringing Grasslands Back, author John Liu describes “…constant trampling, consuming, and digesting of plant matter...” which alters the “…plant biomass, vegetation community structures, and soil conditions…” (Liu). The article that Liu means the Bison alters the biomass for the better, assisting in the new growth of the grasslands. Liu also refers to them as a “Keystone species” with an “overwhelming, essential role in the success of an ecosystem.” Blake Follis of Modokini Ranch corroborates what John Liu says. Bison on his grandfather's land increased various plant species and now Follis plans to receive bison in the Northeastern part of Kansas. He is very excited about what new species will thrive alongside his bison as they embark on a new journey together. Follis also commented on how easily bison are managed once started correctly. While bison are believed to be the more sustainable option in many ways, they can do more harm than good if not handled correctly. Historically, bison are wild animals who roamed the extensive plains and were involved in many symbiotic relationships with several species. The modern bison does not have the privilege of free reign or the ability to maintain social relationships with other herds and species. Domesticated cattle have been detrimental to bison restoration; according to an article from the University of Nebraska, “In some jurisdictions, bison are livestock, in others, wildlife, and this distinction governs how the bison are managed.” (Sanderson et al.). Bison need the vast plains to roam to maintain themselves and the grasslands properly, and it can become costly quickly when treated as livestock instead of as wildlife.
Works Cited
Van Vuren, D.H. “Spatial Relations of American Bison (Bison Bison) and Domestic Cattle in a Montane Environment.” 2001, Accessed 2024.
Gene Towne, E., et al. “VEGETATION TRENDS IN TALLGRASS PRAIRIE FROM BISON AND CATTLE GRAZING.” 2005, Accessed 2024.
Steuter, Allen, and Lori Hidinger. “Comparative Ecology of Bison and Cattle on Mix Cology of Bison and Cattle on Mixed-Grass Prairie.” 1999, Accessed 2024.
Kohl, Michel T., et al. “Bison Versus Cattle: Are They Ecologically Synonymous?” 2013, Accessed 2024.
Allred, Brady W., et al. “The Role of Herbivores in Great Plains Conservation: Comparative Ecology of Bison and Cattle.” 2011, Accessed 2024.
Truett, Joe C., et al. “Managing Bison to Restore Biodiversity.” 2001, Accessed 2024.
Knapp, Alan K, et al. “The Keystone Role of Bison in North American Tallgrass Prairie.” 1999, Accessed 2024.
Coppedge, Bryan R., and James H. Shaw. “Bison Grazing Patterns on Seasonally Burned Tallgrass Prairie.” Journal of Range Management, vol. 51, no. 3, 1998, pp. 258–64. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/4003408. Accessed 24 June 2024.
Liu, John. “Where the Bison Roam and the Dung Beetles Roll: How American Bison, Dung Beetles, and Prescribed Fires Are Bringing Grasslands Back.” The Aggie Transcript, 27 June 2020, aggietranscript.ucdavis.edu/where-the-bison-roam-and-the-dung-beetles-roll-how-american-bison-dung-beetles-and-prescribed-fires-are-bringing-grasslands-back/#:~:text=They%20are%20found%20around%20the%20world-%20from%20the,nutrients%20found%20in%20the%20waste%20of%20grazing%20bison.
Sanderson, Eric W., et al. “The Ecological Future of the North American Bison: Conceiving Long-Term, Large-Scale Conservation of Wildlife.” 2008, Accessed 2024.
“Animal Agriculture, the Climate Crisis, and Disease.” PETA, 2 Apr. 2024, www.peta.org/issues/animals-used-for-food/animals-used-food-factsheets/animal-agriculture-and-the-climate-crisis/.
Collins, Chris. “A Texas Community Chokes on Fecal Dust From Cattle Feedlots | Food and Environment Reporting Network.” Food and Environment Reporting Network, 5 June 2024, thefern.org/2020/02/a-texas-community-chokes-on-fecal-dust-from-cattle-feedlots.
Other Citations
Blake Follis, Interview. Conducted by Nicole Cournoyer, 27 June. 2024.
Theda and Chris Pogue, Interview. Conducted by Nicole Cournoyer, 27 June. 2024.
Gail Uses the Knife, Interview. Conducted by Nicole Cournoyer, 31 July. 2024.
As a child of dual military parents, we drove across the country, going from one duty station to another. I remember seeing the different fields and pastures as we drove by, wondering why some looked like they had so much green grass or why it was all brown, and continued to wonder when driving past places that had nothing, just dirt. None of these questions had ever pushed me to want to know more until I separated from the military, moved to Texas, where I finally understood the importance of rangeland management. Rangeland management is assisting all parts of nature to work together to create a thriving wildlife ecosystem. Society is finally understanding the importance of returning to the natural ways of raising your animals and produce, and what better way to implement the natural ways than with help from the bison? Throughout this paper, I will explain how the North American Bison's overall health and survival depend on the quality of rangeland ecology and management.
Before I can explain the rangeland ecology for bison, you must understand the importance of bison and the role they play in history. Back in the 18th and 19th centuries, when there were 30-60 million heads of bison roaming the country, the Plains Native tribes depended on the bison for survival. (National Park Service). While the bison provided food, clothing, shelter, and tools, each tribe had their connection to the bison's origin (National Park Trust). However, as the country began to grow and more Europeans migrated to the "free land," the livelihood of our ancestors began to crumble. Most, like General Sherman, agreed that the "quickest way to compel the Indians to settle down to civilized life was to shoot buffalo until they became too scarce to support the redskins" (Native Hope Blog, 2021). To tame the bison, you tame the Indian was their mindset; however, 200 years later, both the bison and Indian are here and strong, with over 20 thousand bison in conservation herds and 420 thousand bison in commercial herds throughout the country (US Fish and Wildlife Service).
As previously stated, rangeland ecology is the collaboration of soil, water, plants, and animals to help each habitat thrive. If we do not know what type of soil we have or the nutrients in the soil, how will farmers and ranchers know if the soil needs compost, minerals, fertilizers, or water? Simple, you wouldn’t; therefore, understanding how to use tools like Web Soil Survey to know what type of soil you have and how likely specific forage will grow there is a great start. In Northeast Texas, we collect our soil samples and send them off to be tested at either SF Austin State or Texas A&M to get a baseline of the soil's nutrients before planting. This information will direct you to the path needed to reach the goals you have set for your pasture (Nature Resources Conservation Service). If done in the same spots over a few years, you can recognize the changes in your soil results.
The next part of rangeland ecology is knowing the role water plays. We all understand that water is critical to the survival of anything, but in excess, it could also be a downfall. Bison need roughly 30 gallons of water a day, and if you place them in a pasture with no water or no way to get water, the bison will find it for themselves, regardless of what is in their way. However, it is important to check your stagnant bodies of water like ponds or water troughs during the warmer to hotter months, due to the risk of blue-green algae blooms. These blooms can be fatal to livestock and people by the release of the toxins or, if ingested, by attacking the liver (Salverson, 2022). With heavy rains like in Northeast Texas, we have a greater risk of helminth, or internal parasite, eggs being hatched in water and growing in intermediate hosts like snails until the parasite can encyst on aquatic vegetation (Kipp, Luksovsky, Verocai, 2022). As bison come near the ponds or creeks to drink water, they eat the vegetation nearby and, therefore, ingest the parasites unknowingly. Parasites can be treated with different dewormers, depending on what the herd might be least resistant to. Dewormers can be broken down into three main categories: Levamisole, Benzimidazoles, and Macrocyclic lactones or their commons names of Prohibit, Valbazen, Ivermectin, and Moxidectin (Kipp, Glade, & Guilherme, 2023).
Moving on to the third key player in rangeland ecology, plants. If you are hungry and there is no food in your house, you leave to get food, correct? The same is true for bison—no food equals no fences; if they have no forage to eat and the energy to go and find food, they will. To put your best foot forward, start by working with your local NRCS or Farmers Co-Ops to find out what grows the best in your area and know what vegetation or forage is best for bison. GP Ranch has worked with the NRCS and Tanka Fund to find solutions to best feed the animals and use practices like cover crops and prescribed grazing; we have grasses and forage like Johnson Grass, Little Blue Stem, Milk Weed, and others (Linex, 2014).
Once you have most of the groundwork, quite literally, completed, you can finally start looking into the different animals you want to raise on your farm or ranch. Depending on your comfort level and the grazable size of your property, it depends on the animal or animals you can house. In other words, this is called your animal unit month or AUM. I would never recommend having a starting herd of more than 25 animals, even if the AU is over 30 animals. Just because you have bison does not mean that you can't raise other animals alongside them. Cattle, swine, and poultry can be raised/grazed with bison. However, it is each rancher's decision, depending on the health of the other animals. Cattle and bison have some diseases in common, and if they happen to be grazing and drinking from the same area, diseases like bovine, bangs, and some other diseases may come into play (Love, Reed, & Toomey, NBA). Sheep and goats are not animals you want to raise with bison due to malignant catarrhal fever or MCF, an airborne sickness that can be fatal to bison (Bison Producers of Alberta).
Now that you understand the very basics of rangeland management and why it's essential, let's look at the results of poor and quality bison management styles—understanding that this research is pulling from extreme opposites of the spectrum and looking at animals from feedlots. Below are a few images from two ranches in northeastern Texas from earlier this year.
The first image shows two 11-month-old female bison weighing around 640 pounds each. These animals had plenty of forage and grasses, garlic-infused minerals, and were managed with a prescribed grazing plan. The next photo shows several bison rounded up in a pen. The caretaker of these animals had passed a month before and was currently under the care of his family. However, there needed to be more hay and/or better-quality supplemental feeding; the soil was oversaturated with sodium from pallets of salt blocks being brought in. The bison had been placed in the holding pen overnight without water troughs. Due to the rapid decline in quality care, the bison's overall health and livelihood declined in months. These animals were treated with several dewormers to help with their internal parasites overload; they were also sprayed with prolate to control their fly load. After completing a necropsy on one of the animals, the cause of their weights differing from the standards that bison in this part of the country are normally at was due to poor nutrition (Hunter, Woodbury, & Shury, NBA).
Finally, reading over the information listed from the National Bison Association's (NBA) Gold Trophy Sale, it lists age, sex, and weight of the bison raised out of feedlots to get them the biggest they can be before being sold. Feedlots are why yearling bulls and heifers weigh over 1000 pounds; these numbers are unrealistic for the everyday bison steward. Feedlots are also the reason for air and water pollution as well as an excess to dust into the atmosphere.
Therefore, understanding the overall quality of care the bison receives will directly reflect how the animal acts. Regardless of the treatment, this is not to say you won't have a wild, reproductive-driven 2-year-old bull, but this means if your herd has the forage, the land, the correct minerals, and water sources, your herd will be up grazing, and red dogs, or bison calves, will be curious running around with the zoomies and learning from the herd. The opposite could be said for sick bison, which a herd will often leave behind or distance themselves from. If the entire herd has poor management, they will not have the energy to attack or be on guard; the herd from the poor-quality ranch in northeastern Texas needed physical assistance to get the bison up and moving. Those animals would move several steps and then need to sit down, and once they made it in the chute, people had to work quickly to ensure the bison wasn't under more stress than needed.
Despite common belief, you can't simply throw bison out into a field and think they will survive like they did hundreds of years ago; the earth is not the same now as it was then. Now more than ever, the importance of having quality range management significantly affects North American Bison's overall health and survival. Ensuring the soil has the nutrients needed for the grass to grow and water sources are not toxic for pollinators, wildlife, and bison to have a quality environment to thrive in is dire. As time goes on and future generations slowly forget where they came from and who their ancestors are, it is up to us to ensure that we do our part in raising the grasses for the bison to roam so that maybe one day, hundreds of years from now, Native American Indians can look at the numbers of bison from 1800 and it be similar to the numbers in 2200.
References
Ball, D. M., Hoveland, C. S., & Lacefield, G. D. (2015). Southern Forages: Modern Concepts for Forage Crop Management (5th ed.). Link
Hunter, D., Woodbury, M., & Shury, T. (n.d.). The Bison Field Necropsy Guide. National Bison Association (NBA). Link
Kipp, K., Glade, M., & Guilherme, J. (2023). Management strategies related to controlling internal parasites and slowing resistance to dewormers [Slide show]. Texas Bison Association Spring Conference 2023.
Kipp, K., Luksovsky, J., & Verocai, G. (2022). Texas A&M University Diagnostic Parasitology Lab [Slide show]. Texas Bison Association Spring Conference 2022.
Linex, R. J. (2014). Range plants of north central Texas: A Land Users Guide to Their Identification, Value, and Management. Link
Love, David, Reed, K., & Toomey, P. (n.d.). Bison Diseases Field Guide. National Bison Association (NBA). Link
Martin, J. (n.d.). Getting started with bison ranching. SDSU Extension. Link
Ayers, M. Wayne. (September 2023). “Choosing the Best Cattle Dewormer for Your Beef Herd.” Country Selector. Link
“How the Destruction of the Buffalo (Tatanka) Impacted Native Americans.” Native Hope Blog, Native Hope, 5 Nov. 2021. Link
“Malignant Catarrhal Fever in Bison and Sheep Fact Sheet.” Bison Producers of Alberta. Link
“The Native American Legend of How the Buffalo Were Released on Earth.” National Park Trust, 1 Feb. 2024. Link
“People and Bison.” National Parks Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. Link
“Plains Bison (BISON BISON BISON): U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.” FWS.Gov. Link
Salverson, Robin. SDSU Extension Cow/Calf Field Specialist. “Blue-Green Algae and Livestock.” SDSU Extension, 9 Sept. 2022. Link
“Soil Health.” Natural Resources Conservation Service, 19 Aug. 2024. Link
Restoring Buffalo and Restoring Communities
By SKY SEEING LEADING FOX, 2024 Tanka Fund Intern
Buffalo restoration has been around for a long time. The InterTribal Buffalo Council met for the first time in 1991 (History and Mission) and Tanka Fund has been returning buffalo to Native American lands, lives, and economies since 2014 (Who We Are). Indigenous people have a pre-existing understanding of all living beings, whether you are aware or not. Indigenous knowledge is beginning to be acknowledged and used scientifically with various restoration efforts. Tribes in Oklahoma being forcibly removed from their homelands and relocated to Oklahoma have had detrimental effects that we are still facing today. Allowing our youth in these restoration spaces is important if we want this work to continue. Empowering the youth and restoring buffalo can restore and heal our communities.
Indigenous land stewardship is the understanding that there is a relationship to be had with the land and everything that resides on her. With that in mind, Indigenous people are willing to care for her in a different manner and perspective. “Indigenous peoples in North America have used traditional, Indigenous knowledge and wisdom to live within and relate to the environment since time immemorial” (USDA pg. 6). “The health of the land is a direct reflection of the health of the people” (Luger pg. 74). Our goal is not to make the Earth livable, but to live with the Earth.
“Indigenous Knowledge is grounded in the human realization that the life surrounding us can teach us valuable lessons if we pay attention to our relationships and interactions with the land, air, water, and all other living beings” (USDA pg. 10). Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) is another term used to describe these traditional teachings. We are actively seeing TEK being acknowledged and wanted in various restoration efforts. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) “Indigenous Stewardship Methods and Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) Conservation Practices” document is proof, with the simple fact it is intended to be a living document. Indigenous peoples and tribes can take existing practices and utilize them in reconnecting with different parts of their culture.
From 1830 to 1892 many tribes across North America were relocated to Oklahoma, known at the time as “Indian Territory” (Removal of Tribal Nations to Oklahoma). Tribes that have been relocated to Oklahoma by the United States Government have lost many teachings that are detrimental to the tribe’s well-being. Effects of forced removal manifest as drug and alcohol abuse, child neglect, poverty, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives, and the list can continue. All of these issues are present in our respective communities. The loss of culture, traditions, and connectedness is a loss of a way of life and spirit. Having that feeling of connectedness to your community, songs, dance, and environment can heal communities. You always hear that our youth will change the world. “When Indigenous youth have a sense of belonging, a sense of empowerment to change the conditions that affect them, and a strong cultural identity, they become resilient, powerful individuals for their communities” (Cultural Survival).
Several if not all tribes and individuals have little to no teachings regarding buffalo. In the last few years, we have seen several tribes in Oklahoma get herds that have been very beneficial both economically and traditionally. The Osage Nation has a herd with over a hundred head of buffalo on a 3,000-acre preserve (Brent, Jessica). The Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma have a herd with over two hundred and fifty head of buffalo (Agriculture). Restoring buffalo back to tribes in Oklahoma is reconnecting the tribal people back to the land.
Throughout my internship with Tanka Fund, I have heard that you are a steward of the land before you are a buffalo manager. We have heard Chad Kremer from the Kremer Bison Ranch say this. We are also seeing regenerative ranching research and results being practiced by various ranchers. In an article by the Noble Research Institute, it is stated that regenerative ranching is based on principles, not practices. “Most may not look to principles as a guide, but look at practices or prescriptions to repeatedly fight a broken ecological system, regenerative principles are a method to mend the ecosystem processes on the land. Regenerative ranching is about letting each piece of the system work synergistically” (Cummings, Marilyn). You can compare regenerative ranching, Indigenous stewardship, and Traditional Ecological Knowledge because all are based on the principle that everything on Earth coincides with each other. Caitlin Word, a livestock consultant with the Noble Research Institute states, “the land was made for the cattle and the cattle was made for the land, and we are stewards of the land and animals” (Cummings, Marilyn).
Growing up in rural Oklahoma as an Indigenous person, there is not a lot of opportunity to be involved agriculturally, unless you are not born into it. Today we are fortunate to have many different organizations and people that have programs specifically for Indigenous youth. For example, the Tanka Fund Young Adult Buffalo Lifeways Society (Buffalo Lifeways). Sacred Storm and Chris White Eagle and the enormous impact he is having on Lakota Youth (Sacred Storm). The Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative at the University of Arkansas has an annual Native Youth in Food and Agriculture Leadership Summit Cohort that allows youth to explore different agricultural policy and production areas and see the campus (Zook, Mary Belle). The Intertribal Agriculture Council has opportunities for youth to sit on boards, receive internships, and scholarships. They have an essay competition for high school students to compete in and attend their annual conference to share their writings (Youth Program). The InterTribal Buffalo Council has the Red Calf Cohort for Indigenous Youth to get exposure to buffalo restoration, they have various internship opportunities for the youth as well (History and Mission). There are several opportunities for youth to participate and get exposure to the agriculture world, in many different capacities.
I have had the privilege of always being involved in my culture by attending ceremonies and dances. I have watched the Pawnee Seed Preservation Society grow into what it is today. I have watched the younger generation take space at the drums. What I have learned is not everyone wants to sing and dance and that is ok. We have language revitalization programs, we have our business councils, we have our agriculture. There is space for everyone to feel that connectedness. It is important to allow our youth to be in these spaces and ask questions, because if not them, who will continue the work.
There are several individuals in my community that are actively trying to get the community and youth involved with the land. From going on prairie walks to the Pawnee Seed Preservation Society holding volunteer events to work with Pawnee ancestral corn. With the tribe working to get a buffalo herd. The outreach coordinator, Jessica Evans, is looking at different ways to get the youth involved. From holding camps to having cultural harvests aimed at teaching the youth. In hopes to gain their interest in buffalo and start the reconnection process. The youth are curious people. Once you get them introduced to something they are intrigued and willing to learn more. They will learn the importance of the buffalo. The presentation by Doctor Jeff M. Martin, “Bison as Ecosystem Engineers and Keystone Species” does just that. He states that “keystone species are essential to the ecosystem.” You can find buffalo being described as the first ecological engineers of this continent. Their fur holds seeds and is dispersed when they roam and wallow. Horning trees help maintain grasslands. Doctor Martin also mentions the buffalo’s long cultural history; the buffalo is the national mammal and the relationship with tribal nations (Martin, Jeff M. PH.D.). That shows the significance not just within tribal people but within America.
By allowing youth to exist in these spaces we are allowing the work to continue. We are creating mentorships and allowing the mentees to see different perspectives. Allowing the youth to take up space within buffalo restoration work and to ask any and all questions will be beneficial for everyone. Something I learned from my time in the military is no question is a dumb question. So ask the question because someone else may be thinking the same thing. We all know Indian Country is small but once you get into these smaller communities like buffalo restoration, it is even smaller. Someone always knows someone. With buffalo restoration we are not only restoring buffalo and the prairies, we are also restoring our communities. Rekindling relationships, meeting the next generations of families that have known each other for years.
Indigenous land stewardship is becoming more significant every year. Mainstream ranchers are researching and utilizing regenerative ranching principles. The USDA’s “Indigenous Stewardship Methods and NRCS Conservation Practices” manual being a living document is proof enough. Buffalo is already significant to tribal people. When tribes get their first herd they are rekindling the connection with the animals and the land. It is important to allow our youth to be in these spaces to carry on this work. Restoring buffalo to tribal people will restore and heal our communities and the relationships.
Works Cited
“Agriculture.” March 16, 2022. Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma. https://www.cheyenneandarapaho-nsn.gov/business/agriculture
Brent, Jessica. “Osage Nation Ranch doubles bison herd.” November 8, 2021. Osage News. https://osagenews.org/osage-nation-ranch-doubles-bison-herd/
Cultural Survival. “Cross-cutting Theme: Indigenous Women and Youth.” https://www.culturalsurvival.org/programmatic-priorities?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwnqK1BhBvEiwAi7o0X0DX7xmfkhCl_qTBaMvqCm29mXCkH4HiIgbCvaB-1LFdSn-dDjM81BoCiYMQAvD_BwE
Cummins, Marilyn. “The Truth About Regenerative Ranching.” Noble Research Institute. 2021 Winter. https://www.noble.org/legacy/2021-winter/the-truth-about-regenerative-ranching/?utm_term=&utm_campaign=Leads+-+Perf+Max+1+-+Gene+for+Kingsville&utm_source=adwords&utm_medium=ppc&hsa_acc=7384633401&hsa_cam=21528479990&hsa_grp=&hsa_ad=&hsa_src=x&hsa_tgt=&hsa_kw=&hsa_mt=&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_ver=3&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw8MG1BhCoARIsAHxSiQkIf1Pa73XtTZb0MEMW6YswAAU1gBYnCdHkW4lRvpWjF0aImO8eWiQaAjw1EALw_wcB
History and Mission. InterTribal Buffalo Council. https://itbcbuffalonation.org/history-and-mission/
Luger, Chelsey & Collins, Thosh. “The Seven Circles Indigenous Teachings for Living Well.” pg. 74.
Martin, Jeff M. PH.D. “Bison as Ecosystem Engineers & Keystone Species.” South Dakota State University.
“Removal of Tribal Nations to Oklahoma.” Oklahoma Historical Society. https://www.okhistory.org/research/airemoval
United States Department of Agriculture. “Indigenous Stewardship Methods and NRCS Conservation Practices Guidebook.” pgs. 6, 10. August 2010. https://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov/references/public/va/IndigenousStewardship.pdf
“Who We Are.” Tanka Fund. https://www.tankafund.org/who-we-are
Youth Program. Intertribal Agriculture Council. https://www.indianag.org/youth