U.S. senators reintroduce bill to expand tribal buffalo restoration

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. Martin Heinrich and Markwayne Mullin on Tuesday reintroduced bipartisan legislation to expand federal support for tribal buffalo restoration programs, a long-standing priority for many Native nations.

The Indian Buffalo Management Act would allocate $14 million annually for tribal buffalo restoration after the bipartisan bill stalled in the House last year.

The Indian Buffalo Management Act would direct the Interior Department to work with tribes and tribal organizations to strengthen buffalo management, protect and expand existing herds, and formalize tribal consultation in federal buffalo policy. The bill would authorize up to $14 million annually.

The legislation passed the Senate late last year but stalled in the House, prompting its reintroduction this session.

The proposal builds on earlier efforts to codify federal buffalo restoration programs. Former Rep. Don Young of Alaska introduced similar measures in 2019 and 2021, while Rep. Doug LaMalfa of California proposed related legislation in 2023.

Federal funding for tribal buffalo programs has varied over the past two decades, often shifting with leadership changes at the Bureau of Indian Affairs. During that period, participation in tribal buffalo restoration has expanded. The InterTribal Buffalo Council now represents 82 tribes in 21 states, up from 19 member tribes in 1991.

Heinrich said the bill reflects the cultural and ecological importance of buffalo to Native communities.

“For generations, buffalo have been a critical part of our culture in Indian Country,” Heinrich said in a statement, adding that the legislation would help restore the species to its historic role on U.S. grasslands.

Mullin said the measure supports tribal efforts to rebuild herds on their lands. “The buffalo is essential to our heritage and must be supported,” he said.

The bill is backed by the InterTribal Buffalo Council and conservation groups including the National Wildlife Federation, The Nature Conservancy, World Wildlife Fund and the National Bison Association.

InterTribal Buffalo Council President Ervin Carlson said the legislation recognizes the buffalo’s spiritual, cultural and nutritional significance to tribes.

“Helping tribes reestablish buffalo herds is long overdue,” Carlson said.