WHITE EARTH, Minn. (KWAD) — A historic and symbolic moment unfolded on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, as the first bison calf was born on the lands of the White Earth Nation, marking a significant milestone in the tribe’s ongoing efforts to restore bison to Anishinaabe homelands.
The announcement was shared by the White Earth Bison Program, which described the birth as “a powerful symbol of renewal, strength, and cultural restoration.”
“The calf’s arrival is more than just a moment of joy,” the program stated in a release. “It’s a sign of resilience, healing, and hope for future generations.”
The bison, or Mashkode Bizhiki in Ojibwe, is a sacred animal in Anishinaabe culture, revered as a relative and historically central to tribal life. Once roaming freely across the Great Plains and into Minnesota, bison were nearly driven to extinction in the 19th century due to overhunting and government-sanctioned policies aimed at breaking Indigenous food systems.
The White Earth Bison Program was launched as a way to reverse that history. The initiative is part of a broader Indigenous-led movement across North America to reintroduce bison herds to tribal lands — not just for ecological purposes, but also to restore traditional food systems, spiritual practices, and cultural identity.
“This birth is a tangible example of the connection between cultural revitalization and ecological restoration,” said Dr. Winona LaDuke, an environmental activist and member of White Earth Nation. “The bison are not only returning to the land — they’re returning to our lives, our language, our ceremonies, and our future.”
The program’s efforts are aligned with national efforts like the InterTribal Buffalo Council, a coalition of more than 80 tribes working to restore buffalo populations to Indigenous lands.
The calf’s birth also carries ecological significance. Bison are considered a keystone species and play a critical role in maintaining healthy prairies and grasslands. Their presence can improve soil health, increase plant biodiversity, and support the return of other native species.
“To see a bison calf born here is to witness the return of an entire system of life that was once nearly erased,” said Tanya Aubid, a cultural educator from White Earth. “It’s a moment our ancestors dreamed of, and one our youth will carry forward.”
As the herd grows, the White Earth Nation plans to expand educational programming around bison, including school visits, youth engagement, and land stewardship workshops.
For more information about the White Earth Bison Program, visit White Earth Nation’s official website or follow updates through tribal social media channels.