Inter-Tribal Gatherings aim to elevate Native voices

The Greater Yellowstone is of deep importance to the First Nations who have made this place home since time immemorial. Nearly 50 Tribes have strong spiritual and cultural connections to Greater Yellowstone’s vast and abundant natural resources. More than 70 Tribes are tied to the genetically pure and wild buffalo that once roamed North America and today reside in Yellowstone National Park. Those who are connected to this region know there is no other place like it in the world, and it is our job to thoughtfully and in unison with one another, steward the land now, and for future generations. 

Buffalo on the Wind River Reservation.

Within the 20-million-acre Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is the 2+ million-acre Wind River Reservation with residents from the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho Tribes. These Tribal Nations, whose history far outlasts the conservation movement, are a source of inspiration for how all people can learn to live in reciprocity with the land.  

With the upcoming 150th anniversary of Yellowstone National Park on March 1, 2022, GYC is using this important milestone as a reason to both reflect on the history of this special place and envision its future. Before the Yellowstone Park Protection Act was signed in 1872, the lands that became the world’s first national park were inhabited by a vast array of Indigenous peoples. To honor the Indigenous way of life practiced here long before 1872 and explore how we can work together to create a brighter future, GYC is supporting two events in 2022. 

On March 1, we will support the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho Tribes of the Wind River Reservation in gathering people online to commemorate the park’s anniversary while elevating the Tribal community’s voice in conserving and managing Yellowstone. Yellowstone National Park Superintendent Cam Sholly will be a featured speaker along with Chairmen from both Tribal Nations. You can view the full agenda and register here.

Later in the year, if it can be done safely, we will help gather Tribal elders, members, and young people from Yellowstone’s 49 affiliated Tribes, as well as non-profits and agency personnel, to honor, nourish, dance, heal, and celebrate Indigenous people. The in-person gathering is planned for June 1-3, 2022 on the Wind River Reservation.  

These Inter-Tribal events will acknowledge the dark history associated with the creation of the park. Indian people were killed and forcibly removed from the area to create Yellowstone, and these actions are not celebrated by Indian people. What can be celebrated, however, is the fact that Indian people are still here despite the federal policy of assimilation in existence at that time. Despite immeasurable obstacles, Indigenous people have retained their lodges, ceremonies, healers, and medicines. And most importantly, their connection to Yellowstone has continued to thrive.  

We are proud to gather the Tribal community and others to recognize and celebrate that Indigenous people are still here while building consensus toward a future that elevates Tribal input and participation with Yellowstone and America’s public lands.  

Dancers on the Wind River Reservation. (Photo Nickolas Olson)

In addition, we aim to make progress on some conservation initiatives that benefit the people of the Wind River Reservation. Our goals include revitalizing the Big Wind River, improving riparian habitat, Tribal food security, native fish, and beaver populations to name a few. We also plan to help expand the Indigenous restoration of buffalo to Tribal lands throughout North America and identify and invest in capacity-building that supports the need and interest of Indigenous communities, including emerging Native conservation leaders. 

The Greater Yellowstone Coalition envisions a Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem where plant, animal, and human communities exist in reciprocity. We know we will only achieve this through work that is inclusive of the lands, waters, wildlife, and Native communities of this region and beyond.  

— Wes Martel, Senior Wind River Conservation Associate