Denver Bison Herd Provides Historic Lifeline for Native Tribes

In March, 16 animals were transferred to the Standing Rock Tribe as part of an annual roundup in which the Denver Parks and Recreation Department offers bison to different tribes. This year, three tribes brought these majestic animals home.

Ray Moore, who lives on the Standing Rock Indian Reservation, straddling North and South Dakota, said he was excited to be part of the program.

Moore worked on the acquisition for two years and said the transfer was extremely meaningful to the people of Standing Rock. “It’s so surreal it’s hard to believe it’s coming to fruition for me,” Moore said.

A small group of people attended the transfer and ceremony near Genesee, including officials from Denver Parks and Recreation, the Denver Zoo and the TallBull Memorial Council, made up of representatives from several Native tribes.

During the cultural ceremony, the council’s Keith TallBull prayed for the buffalo to be delivered safely to the Standing Rock tribe. The ceremony included tribal singing and sweetgrass was burned to bless the participants. The ceremony gave meaning to the buffalo’s journey back to Native lands, TallBull said.

“We return these family members to these tribes to either strengthen existing herds or create new herds on different reservations,” said Scott Gilmore, deputy executive director of Denver Parks and Recreation. “After this year, we will be the source of buffalo that will have started herds in three different reserves.”

Because the bison is a sacred animal to indigenous people, Moore said there will also be a ceremony once the animals are in their new location. The animals will help the tribe care for the land through regenerative agriculture.

“Our bond is more than spiritual and even more than words can express because the creator sent them to us,” Moore said.

In recent years, around 125 buffaloes have been transferred to several tribes. Before the bison transfer implemented by Denver, yearlings were sold at auction to the highest bidder. Herd reduction is necessary to avoid overgrazing.

The city’s bison herd splits its time between Daniels Park in Douglas County and Genesee Park along I-70 in Jefferson County. Both are Denver parks. Historically, the herd was owned by the Denver Zoo until 1914, when it was moved to Genesee Park and returned to Denver. The zoo still maintains a close relationship with the buffalo and participates in the testing necessary for the animals to cross state lines. Since buffalo are considered livestock and not wildlife, additional testing and documentation is necessary.

The herd has resided near Genesee for more than a century. The translocation program only began a few years ago, when Gilmore of Denver Parks spoke with members of the TallBull Memorial Council and offered them a buffalo to use at the Daniels Park site they lease in the city. The site covers 80 acres of the 1,000-acre park. It is also used for cultural and religious ceremonies, as well as educational purposes.

The city’s relationship with the TallBull Memorial Council has been beneficial in establishing bison translocations with native tribes throughout the West. Additionally, the city is working with the InterTribal Buffalo Council to plan the distribution of animals to other tribes.

“This is probably going to be the most important thing I’ve done in my life,” Gilmore said. “It’s pretty powerful stuff.”