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Nature BreakingAuthor: World Wildlife Fund
Join host Seth Larson as he interviews experts on some of the biggest environmental issues affecting people and our planet, including climate change, habitat loss, endangered species, and more. Learn something new about nature in every episode. This show is produced by World Wildlife Fund (WWF). Language: en Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Bringing Buffalo Back: A Native-Led Story of Hope and Healing
Tuesday, 8 July, 2025
Once nearly wiped out, the plains bison, or buffalo, as they are often called by Native Americans, are returning to the Great Plains — and with them, a powerful story of cultural renewal, ecological restoration, and Indigenous leadership. In this episode of Nature Breaking, WWF’s Heather Dawn Thompson (a citizen of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe) shares how Native Nations are leading efforts to restore buffalo populations, reclaim food sovereignty, and heal the land. From spiritual connections to practical conservation, this interview explores how buffalo are more than just wildlife — they are relatives, providers, and symbols of resilience. Learn about the Tribal Buffalo Lifeways Collaboration, the role of buffalo in grassland ecosystems, and how communities are working together to bring these iconic animals home. 🎧 Listen in and be inspired by a story that’s still unfolding — one rooted in tradition, science, and hope. Links for More Info: Heather Dawn Thompson bio Tribal Buffalo Lifeways Collaboration WWF’s Plains Bison page Chapters: 0:00 Preview 0:26 Intro 2:10 Heather Dawn’s background and role at WWF 7:58 History of buffalo and connection with Native Nations 10:07 Role of Heather Dawn’s family in conserving buffalo 13:00 What’s it like to see a buffalo in real life? 14:30 Buffalo harvest story 16:00 Connection between buffalo and healthy grasslands 20:16 Buffalo and food sovereignty for Native Nations 23:19 Tribal Buffalo Lifeways Collaboration 28:30 Biggest challenges to buffalo restoration
