Wild America Season 3 Episode 9 People of the Bison

In the third season of Wild America, episode 9, "People of the Bison," viewers are taken on a journey through the American Plains to learn about the close relationship between the Native American people and the mighty bison.

The episode begins by exploring the history of the bison in America, and how the animals provided everything from food and clothing to shelter and tools for many Native American tribes. For many of these communities, the bison was considered a sacred animal, and hunting the animal was a deeply spiritual experience. Viewers are given insights into how indigenous people hunted the bison in large groups, using techniques such as surrounding the animals with fire to drive them together, and then shooting them with arrows or spears.

However, as the European settlers began to move across the Plains, these communities faced widespread displacement and even extinction, and with them came the bison's decline. The show highlights how, at one point, there were only a few hundred bison left in the United States, making conservation efforts all the more important.

The episode also explores how Native American communities have played a critical role in bison conservation efforts in recent years, partnering with conservation initiatives and government programs to reintroduce and manage bison herds throughout the country.

One such effort highlighted in the episode is the Inter-Tribal Bison Cooperative, a partnership of more than 60 tribes dedicated to restoring bison populations and promoting the cultural significance of the animal. The cooperative currently manages approximately 15,000 bison across 19 states.

Viewers also gain insight into how bison populations have impacted and sustain life in many communities on the Plains. The episode follows ranchers who use bison meat to create a range of culinary delights, educates viewers on the benefits of bison grazing for native plant species and wildlife habitats, and explains how bison manure can be used as a natural fertilizer for crops.

Throughout the episode, viewers are provided with breathtaking footage of the bison in their natural habitat, from enormous herds to intimate family groups. Through stories and interviews with Native American elders, conservationists, and ranchers, audiences gain an appreciation for the incredible resilience and cultural significance of both the bison and the people who have relied on them throughout history. "People of the Bison" serves as a powerful reminder of the critical role that indigenous communities play in promoting conservation and protecting our natural world.