Reviving the Great Plains: The Tanka Fund and the Buffalo Renaissance

A tribal-led nonprofit is pioneering a movement to restore the Great Plains, reconnect Native American ranchers with their ancestral lands, and revive traditional diets through the reintroduction of bison.

The Tanka Fund: A Beacon of Hope

Known as the Tanka Fund, this organization coordinates donors and partners to support Native American ranchers in securing grazing land, securing funds for fencing, expanding herd sizes, and accessing national markets for bison meat.

Bison: More Than Just Meat

For Dawn Sherman, executive director of the Tanka Fund, the movement is as much about restoring critical ecological Balance as it is about reconnecting people to their heritage. According to Sherman, who identifies as Lakota, Delaware, Shawnee, and Cree, bison are a keystone species essential for prairie restoration.

“Bringing buffalo back to their ancestral homelands is essential to restoring the ecosystem,” Sherman stated. “The buffalo helps restore the ecosystem and everything it supports—from animals to plants to people. It’s come full circle.”

Ecosystem Benefits of Bison Reintroduction

The return of bison to the Great Plains signifies more than just a return of a cultural symbol. Bison play a crucial role in maintaining prairie health, one of the world’s most endangered ecosystems. Just 1% of the prairie remains as it was at the time of the first European explorers.

Ecological Impact

Bison are vital to the ecosystem’s health and biodiversity. Their grazing stimulates the growth of grasses and wildflowers, creating a diverse habitat for numerous species. The black-footed ferret, almost extinct, relied on bison for survival, and their numbers have seen a resurgence with increased bison populations.

Bison also create wallows filled with rainwater, providing crucial water sources for amphibians and insects. Their grazing and hooves help propagate native plant species that have evolved in their presence.

Restoring Traditional Diets and Cultures

Beyond ecological benefits, the project supports Native American communities culturally. Reintroducing bison helps restore traditional diets, as bison meat was a staple for many Native American tribes. It also strengthens connections to ancestral lands, reinforcing cultural identity and practices.

Successful Implementations

Since 2020, the Tanka Fund has led the transfer of over 2,300 bison to ranchlands managed by Native American communities. This initiative, in partnership with the Inter-Tribal Buffalo Council and the Nature Conservancy, is a significant step toward restoring the Great Plains.

“The more animals we can get, the more prairie we can restore,” Sherman emphasized. “We can help restore land that has been plowed and leased out to cattle ranchers.”

Global Efforts

The United States is not alone in recognizing the importance of bison. Countries across Europe, including Portugal and various European nations, are reintroducing bison to ecosystems where centuries of human activity had led to their disappearance.

Community Engagement and Support

The Tanka Fund relies on community support and partnerships to drive its initiatives. By connecting with donors, providing technical assistance, and fostering economic opportunities, the organization is pivotal in this ecological and cultural revival.

Conclusion

The Tanka Fund’s efforts represent a remarkable convergence of ecological restoration, cultural preservation, and economic empowerment. Through the strategic reintroduction of bison, they are breathing new life into degraded lands and enriching the lives of Native American communities.

This project is a powerful example of how traditional knowledge, modern science, and community action can work in harmony to create positive change.

WATCH: A Video Explaining the Tanka Fund’s Work

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