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The American Buffalo

The dramatic story of America’s national mammal, which sustained the lives of Native people for untold generations, being driven to the brink of extinction, before an unlikely collection of people rescues it from disappearing forever. Ken Burns recounts the tragic collision of two opposing views of the natural world—and the unforgettable characters who pointed the nation in a different direction.

Homecoming follows Jason Baldes as he leads historic transfers of bison to Tribal lands.
These short films weave together Native voices and perspectives relating to buffalo.
The Rosebud Indian Reservations Wolakota Project aims to bring the buffalo home.
Corporate funding for The American Buffalo was provided by Bank of America. Major funding was provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and by The Better Angels Society and its following members: The Margaret A. Cargill Foundation fund at the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation; Diane and Hal Brierley; The Keith Campbell Foundation for the Environment; John and Catherine Debs; Kissick Family Foundation; Fred and Donna Seigel; Jacqueline Mars; John and Leslie McQuown; and Mr. and Mrs. Paul Tudor Jones. Funding was also provided by The Volgenau Foundation.
Latest Episodes
America’s national mammal, once numbering millions, is driven to near extinction.
An unlikely collection of Americans rescues the national mammal from extinction.
Extras
The 1913 Buffalo Nickel raises important questions how we think of the American West.
Grinnell fought the destruction of birds and other wildlife, including the buffalo.
More than 250 Lakotas – mostly women and children – were killed by U.S. soldiers.
By 1889, Buffalo Bill Cody was the most famous American in the world.
The scale of wild animal loss during the 1800s is the largest in known human history.
The U.S. government made treaties with Indigenous people when it was convenient.
After the Civil War, Americans set out with renewed energy to unite the East and West.
Did you know a buffalo can clear a six-foot fence?
An intimate look at the only indigenous tribal-led buffalo drive in North America.
Iniskim follows a young woman’s journey to recovery by reconnecting with the buffalo.
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