buffalo

Buffalos have long played a significant role for many Native American tribes. They have provided clothing, food, shelter and much more. This week, U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., introduced bipartisan legislation to create a permanent buffalo program that would help tribes manage current and future herds.

The American Buffalo numbered in the tens of millions before westward expansion took hold on the plains. But a combination of greed and federal policies designed to undermine Native Americans, whose existence depended upon the creature, nearly wiped out the buffalo. “American Buffalo,” a new film by Ken Burns, explores these issues. It begins airing Monday night.