STEAMBURG, N.Y. (WKBW) — As part of a nationwide conservation effort, American Buffalo are being relocated across the country, which includes some coming to the Allegany Territory within the Seneca Nation.
The InterTribal Buffalo Council is leading buffalo back to indigenous communities across the United States.
This is the first delivery of buffalo east of the Mississippi River.
“The restoration of buffalo back to our communities opens a new chapter for cultural revitalization and ecological restoration. Collaboration in Tribal buffalo restoration means we can work together for the betterment of buffalo and our Tribal homelands,” Jason Baldes, who sits on the ITBC Board of Directors and is Tribal Buffalo Program Manager for the National Wildlife Federation.
“The partnership with TNC has been a blessing for the Tribal Nations which we serve. We’re extremely excited about the opportunity to grow this relationship in the coming years,” Troy Heinert, ITBC Executive Director.
Editor's note: Four animals died on their way to the Seneca Nation Thursday and the public release event that was scheduled was canceled. The ITBC released the following statement Friday:
Buffalo are wildlife. Anytime you work with wildlife there is a considerable risk to their safety. Unfortunately, four buffalo died as a result of injuries sustained during transport on Thursday. The Seneca Nation followed their normal procedures to distribute the meat.
