December 31, 2025
Huuwiihu, Hohou, Thank You
Dear Friends,
It is astonishing to think that just nine years ago, Tribal Buffalo restoration on Wind River began with ten Buffalo that arrived from the Neil Smith Refuge in Iowa. And now, as I write this letter, our talented team is installing the final components of a 26-mile perimeter fence around 17,000 acres of Tribal land that will, in the coming days, begin to serve as wildlife habitat for the 230 Buffalo that make up both the Shoshone and Arapaho herds.
As 2025 comes to a close, our work continues to gain momentum. For our young and growing nonprofit, I am pleased to share not only what we have accomplished – but to convey our eager anticipation about what else lies immediately ahead.
It is with profound gratitude and growing sense of excitement that I write to you today. The work to restore Buffalo on Tribal land is unfolding here each day, transforming our lands, communities, management paradigms, and relationship with our Buffalo relatives.
This work is only possible because of your support.
Please consider this message to be your invitation to continue working alongside us to build a powerful future – one defined by healing, reconciliation, and reconnection.
Thank you for being our friend, champion, and partner. Together, we are achieving a vision never before realized on the North American continent – and building opportunities for other Tribal Nations across the country to do the same.
Huuwiihu, Oose,
Jason Baldes
Executive Director
Wind River Tribal Buffalo Initiative
The Wind River Tribal Buffalo Initiative’s 2024 Annual Report documents our first full year as an independent, Tribally-led nonprofit organization.
Our work today builds upon decades of partnership and persistent effort to advance Tribal Buffalo restoration. We invite you to learn more about what we accomplished together this year, and we thank you for being part of this journey. Read report.