Values
The Tribal Buffalo Lifeways Collaboration is guided by a set of shared values:
Photo Credit: © Clay Bolt / WWF-US
Cultural Preservation
Buffalo have always been—and will always be— a part of Native culture and traditions. As buffalo are restored, Native lifeways will be restored for futuregenerations.
Tribal Sovereignty
Buffalo initiatives must respect and support Tribal sovereignty and each Tribal buffalo program’s priorities, values, beliefs, and cultural practices.
Strong Communities
Bringing buffalo back will support food sovereignty and healthy diets for Native children, elders, and relatives so that they can live long and happy lives.
Economic Development
The return of the Tribal buffalo economy allows for self-sustaining, revenue generating communities and Native-owned businesses.
Buffalo Herd Health
The Collaboration must support and fight for the survival of buffalo herds by balancing their wild natural behaviors with disease prevention, genetic diversity, and by earning their trust through excellent handling and management.
Spiritual Relationship
Buffalo must be respected as our relatives. Restoration of the buffalo on Tribal lands will help heal the spirit and ensure the survival of both Tribal people and the buffalo.
Ecological Restoration
Buffalo are keystone species that repair and heal our lands. Regionally specific conservation and restoration must lead with Indigenous knowledge.
Goals
Grounded in these values, the Collaboration has four primary goals:
Photo Credit: © Charles Larry, The Nature Conservancy
Stabilize
existing Tribal buffalo programs and ITBC through flexible funding arrangements that help Tribes fill basic budget gaps, invest in infrastructure, and build capacity.
Establish and expand
Tribal buffalo programs, including securing land through land acquisitions, leasing or other land management agreements.
Support
Tribal Buffalo Lifeways, including through economic development, community engagement, and policy efforts.
Develop
culturally appropriate, accurate, and inspiring communications that generate collective impact and widespread support for Tribal buffalo restoration.