America’s bison fell from tens of millions to 1,000; tribes are bringing them back
The Smithsonian Institution is hosting exhibitions to highlight the cultural and ecological significance of the American bison. These events explore the animal's history, its near-extinction in the 19th century, and ongoing conservation efforts led by Native American tribes.
Why it matters
The story emphasizes the intersection of environmental conservation and the restoration of indigenous cultural heritage in the United States.
For America, bison have always been more than just an ordinary animal. The largest land mammal in North America, the massive, shaggy beast has been extremely important to the native cultures. Since 2016, it has also been crowned as America's national mammal and is an apt representative of the country's natural history.Bison, also referred to as "buffalo" have roamed the land for thousands of years and throughout, "they've been shaping us," supporting ecosystems by grazing and migrating and influencing culture and history, said exhibition developer Siobhan Starrs. “They really are the American story, in a nutshell,” she says.Starrs is helming the bison-centric exhibitions hosted by Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History, that coincide with the celebration of America's 250th this year. 'Bison: Standing Strong' began on May 7 and will run until May 2029.
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