On November 2nd, 2024, the community gathered in Laramie, Wyoming to celebrate National Bison Day with a special film screening of “A Buffalo Story”, an inspiring documentary produced by Colin Ruggiero and funded by the National Wildlife Federation. The event, co-hosted by the Wind River Tribal Buffalo Initiative, Sierra Club Wyoming, and National Wildlife Federation brought together a diverse group of attendees – including local residents, activists, and wildlife advocates – to learn about critical Buffalo rematriation efforts in Wyoming.
The film: A Buffalo Story
“A Buffalo Story is centered on buffalo and the efforts of the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho Tribes to bring buffalo back to their lands, communities, and cultures. This film shares the story behind Wyoming buffalo restoration, led by Indigenous ecologists, community leaders, and conservation partners. A Buffalo Story shows the tremendous dedication and sustained commitment to restore buffalo, a species that brings together and interconnects the protection of Tribal identity and culture, wildlife, and people.”
The screening was well-attended, with approximately 60 people filling the venue. The film offered a poignant reminder of the deep connection between Indigenous cultures and Buffalo, emphasizing how the return of these majestic animals to the land is not just a conservation success but also an act of cultural healing for Native communities.
Engaging the community
Following the film, we held a powerful panel discussion featuring experts and advocates who have been working on the ground to revitalize bison populations and restore Indigenous stewardship of these animals. Invited panel guests included:
- Jason Baldes, Wind River Tribal Buffalo Initiative
- Patti Baldes, Wind River Native Advocacy Center
- Garrit Voggesser, National Wildlife Federation
- Colin Ruggiero, the award-winning filmmaker behind A Buffalo Story
- Lexi Thompson, Sierra Club Wyoming (moderator)
The panel was lively and educational, with each speaker bringing a unique perspective to the table. Attendees learned not only about the ongoing Buffalo rematriation in Wyoming but also about the broader implications for environmental stewardship and Indigenous rights.
Left to right: Lexi Thompson, Garrit Voggesser, Colin Ruggerio, Patti Baldes, Jason Baldes
A collaborative art project
One of the standout features of the event was the interactive art project produced by volunteers from Sierra Club Wyoming! Attendees were invited to contribute to a collaborative art piece—a giant drawing of Turtle Island, representing the interconnectedness of all species. Participants were encouraged to draw hoofprints, pawprints, or footprints of animals connected to the Buffalo ecosystem.
The art project served as a creative and meaningful way for attendees to engage with the message of the event, reminding everyone of the interconnectedness of all living beings, and how the return of Buffalo is part of a larger story of ecological healing.
A day of reflection and action
Attendees left the event with a deeper understanding of the importance of Buffalo not just for wildlife conservation, but for Indigenous sovereignty, cultural revitalization, and environmental justice. It was a day of celebration, education, and inspiration—and a reminder that the work to restore Buffalo and their place in the landscape is ongoing, with the support of committed communities working together for a more sustainable and just future.