News & Stories

The Latest Wind River Buffalo Happenings

Stories from our neighbors and partners, as well as progress with the Initiative and updates.

Bison vs Buffalo: Scientific and Cultural Roots

For centuries, the largest mammal in North America has been known by two names: bison and Buffalo. This duality reflects the history, culture, and science that surrounds our relative that once roamed the plains in the tens of millions.

Mar 17, 2025

A herd of buffalo on the Wind River Reservation in Wyoming [Photo credit: Rocío Lower / Bezos Earth Fund].

Ancestral Memories: Restoring Ecosystems and Bringing the Buffalo Back Home

Article by Cecilia Martinez, Bezos Earth Fund

For thousands of years, buffalo dominated the grasslands of North America. But by the 19th century these large grazing mammals were nearly extinct – and today occupy less than one percent of their pre-European range.

Mar 13, 2025

A Message from Executive Director Jason Baldes

As 2024 comes to a close, our team at the Wind River Tribal Buffalo Initiative has been reflecting on the past year of activities – our very first up and running at full capacity as an independent, Tribally-led nonprofit.

Dec 30, 2024

Article by Brett French, Billings Gazette

Grants boost Eastern Shoshone, 100s of other tribal nation bison programs

Article by Brett French for Billings Gazette

Wyoming's Eastern Shoshone Tribe has received a $3 million grant to expand the Yellowstone Bison Conservation Transfer Program, the tip of a funding iceberg meant to return bison to tribes across the nation.

Dec 24, 2024