The International Buffalo Relations Institute (IBRI) is proud to celebrate the official release of Guardians of the Buffalo: The Essential Guide to Bison Care, a publication dedicated to supporting the people and communities caring for Buffalo across Turtle Island.
Written by Buffalo experts Wes Olson and Cody Spencer, with photography by Johane Janelle and a foreword by Katira Crow Shoe, the book brings together decades of experience, practical knowledge, and a shared commitment to the future of Buffalo.
To celebrate its release, the authors and photographer embarked on a four-stop book tour across Alberta and Saskatchewan in September 2026, connecting with Buffalo caretakers, Indigenous communities, educators, conservationists, and readers.
As Indigenous Nations, Tribes and individuals continue the work of welcoming Buffalo to their traditional homelands, the need for accessible, practical caretaking knowledge has never been more important.
Guardians of the Buffalo: The Essential Guide to Bison Care was developed with this responsibility in mind.
Drawing on more than fifty years of combined experience, Wes Olson and Cody Spencer share their knowledge of Buffalo behaviour, herd health, nutrition, handling, infrastructure, land management, and conservation.
Accompanied by Johane Janelle's conservation photography, the full-colour publication provides a comprehensive resource for both new and experienced caretakers.
The book also reflects a foundational understanding of the Buffalo Treaty: restoring Buffalo is not simply about returning animals to the landscape. It is about rebuilding relationships and ensuring that Buffalo has the care, space, and conditions needed to thrive for generations to come.
The official book launch took place on September 15, 2026, at the Galt Museum & Archives in Lethbridge, Alberta.
The evening marked the beginning of a tour that brought together audiences interested in learning more about the book, the experiences of its contributors, and the continuing work of Buffalo restoration.
Following the launch, the tour continued through three additional communities:
Each stop provided an opportunity to engage in conversations with the authors, ask questions, and have purchased books signed.
At the Treaty 4 Gathering Education Days, the tour also created an opportunity to engage students and educators, sharing knowledge about Buffalo and the responsibilities involved in caring for them.
Across the four stops, the tour helped introduce the book to people and organizations who will carry this knowledge into their own communities, herds, and conservation efforts.
For Indigenous Peoples, Buffalo has always been more than a species to manage. They are relatives, deeply connected to the cultural, spiritual, and ecological well-being of our communities.
As Buffalo return to Indigenous lands, caretakers play an essential role in ensuring their health and well-being.
The publication of Guardians of the Buffalo: The Essential Guide to Bison Care represents an investment in these caretakers and the knowledge needed to support successful, long-term restoration. The book is also an investment into future generations who will see the holistic importance of continuing Buffalo Consciousness and rematriation.
It also contributes to IBRI's broader educational efforts, including the development of Buffalo caretaking curricula and learning resources for Indigenous communities and institutions.
By bringing together hands-on experience, scientific understanding, and a commitment to Indigenous-led restoration, the book offers an important resource for those beginning or continuing their journey with Buffalo.
The International Buffalo Relations Institute extends its gratitude to Wes Olson, Cody Spencer, and Johane Janelle for the years of knowledge, experience, and dedication that made this publication possible.
We also thank the Galt Museum & Archives, Treaty 4 Gathering Education Days, Buffalo People Arts Institute, McNally Robinson Booksellers, and the Enoch Cree Nation and River Cree Resort & Casino for welcoming the tour.
To everyone who attended, shared conversations, asked questions, purchased a book, or helped bring these gatherings together, thank you.
The launch and tour were an important milestone, but the purpose of Guardians of the Buffalo extends well beyond these events.
As more Nations and communities work to welcome Buffalo home, the knowledge contained within these pages will help support current caretakers entrusted with their well-being and inspire future guardians to see a life with Buffalo.
Bringing Buffalo home is only the beginning. Caring for them is a responsibility we carry forward together.
Guardians of the Buffalo: The Essential Guide to Bison Care is now available through the International Buffalo Relations Institute.
Whether you are an experienced Buffalo caretaker, a community preparing to establish a herd, a student, or someone interested in Buffalo conservation, this book offers knowledge and guidance to support your journey.
Explore the book and order your copy through the Buffalo Relations Shop
