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Purpose and Objective of the Treaty

To honor, recognize, and revitalize the time immemorial relationship we have with BUFFALO, it is the collective intention of WE, the undersigned NATIONS, to welcome BUFFALO to once again live among us as CREATOR intended by doing everything within our means so WE and BUFFALO will once again live together to nurture each other culturally and spiritually. It is our collective intention to recognize BUFFALO as a wild free-ranging animal and as an important part of the ecological system; to provide a safe space and environment across our historic homelands, on both sides of the United States and the Canadian border, so together WE can have our brother, the BUFFALO, lead us in nurturing our land, plants and other animals to once again realize THE BUFFALO WAYS for our future generations.
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Buffalo Treaty

The Buffalo Treaty Calls Us Back Into Relationship With Buffalo, Land, and Life

The Buffalo Treaty calls for Indigenous Peoples and the BUFFALO to once again live together in relationship with the land, to nurture each other culturally and spiritually. We seek the return of the BUFFALO as an integral part of the ecological system.
The Buffalo: A Treaty of Cooperation, Restoration and Renewal is a gift extended to all beings, rooted in teachings that span millennia. It is an Indigenous-led, transboundary framework based on reconciliation — not only amongst people but with mother earth.

On September 25, 2014, The Buffalo: A Treaty of Cooperation, Renewal and Restoration was first signed by eight Indigenous Nations at the Blackfeet Reservation in Montana - the first modern cross-border treaty among First Nations and Tribes over a century. 

Since then Nations across Canada and the United States have continued to sign on, united in their shared commitment to restore buffalo to the land and renew cultural, spiritual, and ecological relationships. 
"All societies, however they may come into existence at one time or another, lay claim to a territory. Within that territory a culture arises from the mutual relationship with the totality of the environment including the land, plants, animals, and the cosmos. A culture consists of paradigmatic concepts, values, and customs. Paradigms are the tacit infrastructure that the members of the society utilize for their beliefs, behavior, relationships, and interpretation of what they consider to be “reality.” These beliefs, behavior, relationship norms, and interpretive tools of the society one may refer to as the metaphysics of that society."

– Dr. Leroy Little Bear

The Buffalo Treaty is a living example of “quadruple win-win” solutions — simultaneously fulfilling the Biodiversity Convention (CBD) and the Climate Accord (UNFCCC), serving as the landscape implementation arm of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), and synergizing our actions toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Implementing the Buffalo Treaty is akin to solving a Rubik’s Cube — an actionable plan that inspires hope and invites active participation in addressing planetary challenges. Just as every twist brings us closer to a solution, every individual effort moves us toward shared responsibility for a healthier planet and its people.
READ: AWAKENING BUFFALO CONSCIOUSNESS LESSONS, THEORY, AND PRACTICE FROM THE BUFFALO TREATY
Crosschild, Ryan, et al. "Awakening Buffalo Consciousness: Lessons, Theory, and Practice from the Buffalo Treaty." Wicazo Sa Review, vol. 36 no. 1, 2021, p. 5-29. Project MUSE, https://dx.doi.org/10.1353/wic.2021.a903665.
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Signatories

ARTICLE VII - ADHESIONS

North American Tribes and First Nations, and NATIONS, STATES, AND PROVINCES, may become signatories to this treaty providing they agree to the terms of this treaty.
2014
Blackfeet Nation, MT
Kainai/Blood Tribe, AB
Siksika Nation, AB
Piikani Nation, AB
Assiniboine and Gros Ventre Tribes of Fort Belknap Indian Reservation, MT
Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes of Fort Peck Indian Reservation, MT
Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, MT
Tsuutʼina Nation, AB

2015
Stoney Nakoda – Chiniki, AB
Stoney Nakoda – Wesley, AB
Samson Cree First Nation, AB

2016
Zagime First Nation, SK
Star Blanket Cree Nation, SK
Okanese First Nation, SK
Ocean Man First Nation, SK
Ochapowace First Nation, SK
Pheasant Rump Nakota Nation, SK
Wuskwi Sipihk First Nation, MB
Sapotaweyak Nation, MB

2017
Mistawasis Nêhiyawak, SK

2018
Ktunaxa Nation, BC
Secwépemc Nation, BC

2019
Ermineskin First Nation, AB



2020–2021
Montana First Nation, AB
Woodland Cree First Nation, AB
Frog Lake First Nation, AB
Pigeon Lake Cree Nation, AB
Eastern Shoshone Tribes, WY
Oglala Sioux Tribe, SD

2022
Northern Arapaho, WY
Lipan Apache, TX
Louis Bull Tribe, AB
Nekaneet First Nation, SK
Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation, SK
Moosomin First Nation, SK
Mosquito–Grizzly Bear’s Head–Lean Man First Nation, SK
Red Pheasant Cree Nation, SK
Saulteaux First Nation, SK
Stoney Knoll Band, SK
Sweetgrass First Nation, SK
Waterhen Lake First Nation (Sîkîp Sâkahikan), SK
Enoch Cree First Nation, AB

2023
Cowessess First Nation, SK

2024
Ministikwan Lake First Nation, SK
Heiltsuk Nation, BC
Cold Lake First Nation, AB
Paul First Nation, AB
Smith’s Landing First Nation, NT
Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, AB
Ngāti Tūwharetoa, NZ
Cote First Nation, SK
Tobacco Plains Band, BC

Partners and Supporters

ARTICLE VIII - PARTNERSHIPS AND SUPPORTERS

WE, collectively, invited Non-Governmental Organizations, Corporations and others of the business and commercial community, to form partnerships with the signatories to bring about the manifestation of the intent of this treaty. Organizations and Individuals may become signatories to this treaty as partners and supporters providing they perpetuate the spirit and intent of this treaty.

Post-Secondary Educational Institutions

University of Lethbridge, AB
Lethbridge Polytechnique, AB
Mont-Royal University, AB
Aaniiih Nakoda College, MT

Buffalo Consciousness Ecosystem of Relations

The great majority of the organisations below signed the Buffalo Treaty as partners, supporters or participated in Buffalo Treaty gatherings or worked directly with Signatory Nations. The scope of work varies from local to regional to national to across boundaries. This is an expression of Buffalo Relations across the continent.

We only added organizations who have dedicated Buffalo/bison programs that are publicly available, many more individuals contribute with their dedicated interest. The herd below is divided in three categories, Indigenous-led, NGOs and organisations and Governments. Listed in alphabetical order. 

We are also grateful to the multiple arts institutions and museums for beautifully contributing in nurturing Buffalo Consciousness with exhibits and performances. We also acknowledge that many more individual First Nations and Tribes and Indigenous organisations are doing their Buffalo Rematriation Initiatives.

Find Out More about The Buffalo Treaty

BUFFALOTREATY.COM
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