I support the Indian Buffalo Management Act, H.R.5153

The American buffalo, a North American species of bison, once roamed freely across the United States, and served an important role for Native communities throughout North America. Historically, bison were a reliable source of food, shelter, clothing, and economic mobility for Indigenous peoples across the American west.

The decimation of the American buffalo that began in the mid-19th century significantly impacted the Native communities that depended on these majestic creatures.

H.R. 5153, The Indian Buffalo Management Act, establishes a program within the Department of the Interior to assist tribes and tribal organizations with the protection, conservation, and fostering of buffalo herds.

This legislation is supported by the 68 tribes in 18 states that are the members of the InterTribal Buffalo Council (ITBC), the National Parks Conservation Association, the National Congress of American Indians, the American Bison Society, the National Bison Association, the Wildlife Conservation Society, and the World Wildlife Fund.

This bill is an important step to restoring once-vibrant buffalo herds and supporting Tribal sovereignty.