A Way Forward from the Atrocities of the Past
Bozeman, MT

Following the Hollywood release of Butcher’s Crossing, an historical fiction depicting the dark history associated with the near-extinction of Plains bison in the 1800s, Defenders of Wildlife is launching the Butcher's Crossing Iinnii Companion Film to highlight the efforts of Native Tribes to restore bison back to their lands.

Today, a wild herd of bison once again roams the Blackfeet Nation’s lands and grasslands that connect to the majestic mountains of Glacier National Park. Known as the Iinni (buffalo) Initiative, the Blackfeet Confederacy’s program has guided bison restoration efforts and continues to support bison and their seasonal migration from Blackfeet all the way into Canada — from Glacier National Park to Waterton Lakes National Park.  

“We have been a proud partner of the Iinnii Initiative since it began in 2017,” said Chamois Andersen, Senior Representative in the Rockies and Plains at Defenders of Wildlife. “We look forward to continuing our support of the Buffalo Nations and reestablishing cultural herds on Tribal lands. We know there is immense ecological benefit that these bison herds will once again play in the health of our grasslands.” 

Defenders’ on-the-ground efforts include perimeter fence projects to guide the long migration corridor. We also provide financial support to buy out grazing leases for reestablishing those acres as bison habitat, along with the auxiliary benefit of helping the Blackfeet gain back their ancestral lands where once again hundreds of bison can roam. 

Watch the Butcher's Crossing Iinnii Companion Film on Defenders’ YouTube channel.  

For nearly 80 years, Defenders of Wildlife has worked to protect and restore America’s wildlife at risk of extinction, advancing a vision of a future in which wildlife thrives, sustained by broad public support and a resilient network of healthy lands and waters. With a network of more than 2 million supporters, Defenders is an advocate for innovative solutions to safeguard wildlife for generations to come. To learn more, please visit https://defenders.org/newsroom or follow us on Instagram @defendersofwildlife.  

 

Media Contact

Chamois Andersen Headshot
Chamois Andersen
Senior Representative, Rockies and Plains Program
candersen@defenders.org
307-460-8079

News

Sea otter with head poking above the water
Washington, DC

Defenders of Wildlife Urges Public Opposition to NOAA’s Planned Review That Could Weaken California’s Authority to Protect its Coastline

NOAA will review California's Coastal Management Program following a directive from Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Defenders of Wildlife urges public participation in upcoming public meetings to protect California's coast, wildlife, and state authority.
Grand Teton NP
WASHINGTON, D.C.

America the Beautiful Act Would Reauthorize Nearly $2 billion for National Parks and Public Lands

Defenders of Wildlife supports passage of the America the Beautiful Act, sponsored by Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-CA) and Chair Bruce Westerman (R-AR).
Visit the newsroom