Doris

Buffalo have returned to Star Blanket Cree Nation.

Yesterday, Star Blanket Cree Nation welcomed 15 buffalo back onto their lands in Treaty 4 territory following a journey from Alberta.

Community members gathered throughout the day to witness the return, with drumming, ceremony, and celebration marking the beginning of a new chapter for the herd on the land.

The 13 females and 2 males were transported from Carstairs, Alberta before being released yesterday.

“The return of the buffalo represents far more than bringing animals back to the land. It is the restoration of culture, teachings, identity, and the sacred relationship between our Nations and the buffalo.”

A historic step forward in leadership took place with the confirmation of Chuck Sams III, the first Native American to lead the National Park Service. A member of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, Sams brings a background rooted in public service, natural resource management, and a deep connection to land and culture. 🏞️🪶

His appointment carries meaning beyond the role itself. It reflects a growing recognition of Indigenous voices in decisions about lands that hold both environmental and cultural significance. National parks are not only natural spaces—they are also places shaped by Indigenous history, stories, and stewardship that stretch back generations. 🌿📜

Under his leadership, there is an opportunity to strengthen collaboration between tribal nations and federal agencies, building a path that honors both conservation and cultural understanding. This moment stands as a reminder that representation matters, and that leadership can help bring forward perspectives long overlooked. What does Indigenous leadership in land stewardship mean to you? 💬✨