CUSICK, WA – The Kalispel Tribe of Indians gifted 10 buffalo to the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, marking a continuation of the Kalispel Tribe’s commitment to supporting other tribes in their buffalo herd establishment efforts. The donation strengthens a partnership that began last year when the Kalispel Tribe gifted 30 buffalo to the Colville Tribe to aid in the restoration of these culturally and ecologically significant animals.
The donation will further enhance the Colville Tribe’s existing herd, which now resides on the Colville reservation, providing essential support for habitat restoration and cultural practices.
“The Kalispel Tribe has worked diligently over the years to build a robust buffalo program on our reservation near Cusick,” said Derrick Bluff, Director of the Kalispel Agriculture Department. “Our herd has flourished, which allows for opportunities to share buffalo with other tribes.”
“For generations, we have shared resources and knowledge with other tribes as a natural extension of our commitment to supporting Indigenous communities and preserving cultural heritage,” said Curt Holmes, Vice-Chairman of the Kalispel Tribal Council. “The buffalo represent resilience and balance within ecosystems, and we are honored to see them thrive on our lands and now on the Colville reservation.”
The buffalo hold deep spiritual and cultural significance for the Kalispel Tribe and many other Indigenous communities, symbolizing resilience and sustenance. Since its founding in 1974 with 12 buffalo from Theodore Roosevelt National Park, the Kalispel Tribe’s herd has become a cornerstone of the tribe’s efforts to promote ecological stewardship, cultural preservation, and community well-being, growing to encompass approximately 150 heads.
The Kalispel Tribe’s ongoing support of buffalo restoration on the Colville reservation aligns with the broader movement across Indian Country to revitalize Indigenous lands and traditions. This gift, alongside continued support for tribally-led conservation efforts, is a step toward a future where buffalo and Indigenous lands are restored for generations to come.