My project investigates whether bison reintroduction should be framed as reparations, not just resoration of the species. The near extinction of the American bison was more than an ecological event, it was also a deliberate tactic used to dismantle Indigenous autonomy. Modern programs often describe bison reintroduction to Indigenous lands as restoration, but few academic scholars examine whether these efforts repair the cultural harm Indigenous nations faced as a result of the bison slaughter. The purpose of my research is ulimatly to highlight what meaningful accountability and reparations to the Indigenous tribes affected by the bison slaughter would look like today.
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The American bison population was nearly wiped out in the 1800s, with thousands killed daily.
Bison were central to the economy, culture, and spirituality of Indigenous plains tribes.
Historical records, tribal narratives, and policies show the ongoing emotional and cultural impact.
Current efforts focus on:
Returning bison to Indigenous nations
Ecological restoration
Herd population recovery
Current efforts lack focus on:
Cultural reparations
The spiritual and economic losses Indigenous nations endured
Whether modern programs acknowledge historical harm
Quantitative meta- analysis to measure the gap described
Qualitative examination of key academic discusions
Noting presence of cultural loss
Making policy reccomendations