About Wind River Tribal Buffalo Initiative
Buffalo Restoration is a Form of Reconciliation
The Wind River Tribal Buffalo Initiative was founded by Jason Baldes in early 2022 to be a local entity providing reconnection to Buffalo. The acquisition of new property gave the initiative a headquarters and a beginning — a spark to ignite our community’s re-connection with Buffalo and their role in our lives, our health, and our history.
Our Mission
Land rematriation, community revitalization, and youth education through restoration of conservation Buffalo.
Our Vision
Thousands of Buffalo on tens of thousands of acres, protected under Tribal law as wildlife.
Our Values
Respect
Relationships
Reasoning
Responsibility
Reciprocity
Resiliency
Reverence
What is Rematriation?
“Land rematriation is restoring keystone species and land ownership to Tribes. Much of what was brought here was patriarchal. The culture of Buffalo has been matriarchal. Rematriation is giving back to Mother Earth, bringing back a holistic connection, and empowering the role of women.”
– Jason Baldes, Founder
What We Do
Land Acquisition
Through partnerships and collaborations with entities supportive of the mission, we’re aiming to raise millions of dollars to reacquire private lands to expand habitat for conservation Buffalo within the Wind River Reservation.
Buffalo Management
We strive to be a leader in Buffalo conservation, management, and training. We’re creating opportunities for the next generation to get inspired through youth engagement and empowerment, and teaching about Buffalo and wildlife conservation.
Education and Curriculum Building
As we reincorporate Buffalo into our lives, diets, and ceremonies, we’re rewriting the story of Buffalo and people together. The initiative is working with partners to develop curriculum for the reconnection to Buffalo.
“There is nowhere in the world I would rather be because I think that what we are doing here today can actually create a ripple effect that spreads throughout the American west and hopefully beyond.” [At the buffalo release]
– Collin O’Mara, President and CEO, National Wildlife Federation
Donate
Donations help bring Buffalo back to the Wind River Reservation. Your gift will be used to reacquire lands, fund management and activities, and restore conservation Buffalo.
Explore More About Us
The Buffalo Initiative
Wind River Reservation
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Videos
Maps