WASHINGTON, D.C. — The bipartisan Indian Buffalo Management Act, introduced by Representatives Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif.), Mary Peltola (D-Ark.), Tom Cole (R-Okla.), Norma Torres (D-Calif.) and Jay Obernolte (R-Calif.), centers Tribal sovereignty, intergenerational knowledge, and self-determination in managing and re-establishing buffalo herds on Tribal lands.

“Buffalo hold power to revitalize and replenish the land and our culture. When buffalo thrive, so do Indigenous peoples,” said Jason Baldes, vice president of the InterTribal Buffalo Council and senior Tribal buffalo program manager for the National Wildlife Federation. “The Indian Buffalo Management Act grants us the resources we need to put into action thousands of years of intergenerational knowledge in caring for this species and the autonomy to make decisions that directly benefit buffalo and the land. We’re grateful for the continued leadership and efforts to ensure buffalo and Indigenous peoples remain intertwined.”

The legislation would create a permanent program within the Department of Interior that promotes Tribal ownership and management of buffalo and their habitat on Tribal lands.

The House bill requires the Interior Department to enter into contracts, award grants and provide technical assistance to Tribes and Tribal organizations for activities related to buffalo restoration or management. It also requires consultation with Tribal representatives on initiatives that affect buffalo management or buffalo habitat on Tribal land. Additionally, it allows the Interior Department to enter into agreements with Tribes or Tribal organizations to transport surplus buffalo from federal land onto Tribal land.