Bison calf standing near its mother near Naytahwaush. Photo Credit: Courtesy of White Earth Nation Agriculture Department
Animals USACalf Becomes Symbol of Renewal in Bison Comeback
The birth of the first bison calf on the lands of the White Earth Nation in the U.S. marks a milestone in the tribe’s two-year effort to restore buffalo to their ancestral prairie. After generations without them, the return of bison is bringing cultural pride, ecological healing, and renewed connection to tradition.
“This is the very first calf born on White Earth land in more than 150 years,” says Jack Heisler, the tribe’s bison foreman, calling it a powerful sign of the herd’s future.
The White Earth Nation started its buffalo program in 2023 with a small herd of 10 animals. The goal is to expand rapidly to 44 by next year, creating a strong, sustainable population. Bison are a keystone species, restoring balance to prairie ecosystems by fertilising soil, opening grasslands, and supporting biodiversity. For the community, their return carries deep cultural meaning — and every new birth strengthens both the land and the people. The arrival of this calf proves the herd is thriving, and it marks the beginning of a long-awaited revival that blends environmental renewal with cultural resilience.
