O U R   S E R V I C E S

Be a part of the cause

How to play your role in the effort

Buffalo once stretched across North America in large masses—over 30 million. But by the late 1800s, that large sum plummeted to less than 1,000. Hunting wasn’t the main factor—it was a targeted effort to harm Indigenous communities that solely depended on them. That fact leaves a crater in indigenous history. Today, there are several hundred thousand buffalo, but most live on ranches or in managed herds, not wild like they used to, in order to protect them. Restoring them isn’t just about bringing back the buffalo and bison—rather protecting history, respecting the land, and supporting the people who have worked to protect both. Seeing how far they’ve come, gives hope towards the resilience and justice for indigenous people, and that we all have a role to play, even in small ways. Whether its a school project, a small donation, or even educating your peers on the matter, all actions play a role big or small.

Population statistics 

At some point of time, the population of buffalo floated around the tens of millions—stretched across all of America. But after colonization and mass slaughter in the 1800s, their population dropped to near extinction—less than a thousand at one point.  Colonists targeted these sacred animals to personally damage indigenous people, along with the effort to take their land. But thanks to restoration efforts, the population has grown back to a few hundred thousand, but most of those are in managed herds or private ranches, not wild like they once were. It’s progress, but still nowhere near what it used to be. The restoration efforts were made possible by those who care for indigenous communities and the animal itself, a representation of loss and a comeback. A story about survival, loss, and a steady yet resilient recovery. It’s not just about buffalo—it’s about people, land, and how much we’ve got to fight for what was almost wiped from the earth. Seeing those numbers in an upward trend gives hope, but it also reminds us there’s still a lot of work to do.

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Notable non-profits to support

​ 1. The Greater Yellowstone Coalition (GYC) works to restore native buffalo populations through several key approaches: Cultural, ecological, habitat expansion, and genetic diversity.
​2. American​ Prairie is dedicated to restoring bison populations and their vital role in the prairie ecosystem through several key initiatives: Reintroducing Bison, Expanding herd size, enhancing genetic diversity, and collaborating with indigenous communities.
​3.  Tanku Fund is all about bringing buffalo back to Native American lands and communities, and here’s how they’re making it happen: Restoring Buffalo to native lands, supporting native ranchers, boosting local economies, engaging local youth, and care for the environment.

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Buffalo

Overview

At a certain time point , America was covered with buffalo, from east to west and north to south, and for numerous indigenous communities, buffalo provided all essential means to survive and prosper—food, shelter, spirit, and tradition. Later that sacred bond was to be broken apart by colonists, murder, and displacement of native communities. This is a tragic yet permanent truth in our history as a country. These means to protect and preserve still exist today. In America , Indigenous communities continue the effort to bring the buffalo back, as well as the land that was stolen unrightfully by the same colonists who killed off their main source of food and life. This site is about honoring that bond, understanding what was lost, and recognizing the power of restoration.

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Buffalorestoreweebly.com

Preserve and Protect

​"I have seen a thousand rotting buffaloes on the prairie, left by the white man who shot them from a passing train."- Chief Seattle

-louis hebson