Bipartisan legislation sponsored on Oct. 21 by U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD) would authorize a permanent buffalo management program at the U.S. Department of the Interior.
“I am committed to helping tribes in South Dakota restore their historical and cultural ties to buffalo herds and make certain that this is a meaningful step for Native American communities,” said Sen. Rounds last week.
The Indian Buffalo Management Act, S. 3051, which Sen. Rounds introduced with four original cosponsors, including U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-NM), would assist tribal governments in the management of buffalo and buffalo habitat and the reestablishment of buffalo on Indian land, according to the congressional record bill summary.
“The American buffalo is a treasured animal and resource for Native American communities across the United States,” Sen. Rounds said. “The Indian Buffalo Management Act gives tribes the capacity to manage their buffalo populations, utilize the many benefits from buffalo, and provide input into federal buffalo management policy.”
If enacted, the bill would provide consistent funding for tribes and tribal organizations that have an established buffalo herd and management program, and would offer the opportunity to expand the program to other interested tribes, according to a bill summary provided by Sen. Rounds’ staff.
Additionally, the permanent buffalo restoration and management program would be required to promote and develop the capacity of tribes and tribal organizations to manage buffalo and buffalo habitat; protect and enhance buffalo herds for the maximum benefit of tribes; and include tribes in the Interior Department’s decision-making regarding buffalo, the summary says.
S. 3051 is the U.S. Senate version of the identical H.R. 2074, which U.S. Reps. Don Young (R-AK) and Norma Torres (D-CA) introduced in March.
The Lower Brule Sioux Tribe, the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, the InterTribal Buffalo Council, the tribal buffalo program manager for the National Wildlife Federation, the Picuris Pueblo of New Mexico, and the Pueblo of Nambe have endorsed S. 3051.
“The Indian Buffalo Management Act will restore the cultural, historical, spiritual and traditional connection between buffalo and tribal people; create employment and economic opportunities; and provide the Tribe with access to traditional, healthy and self-sustaining food source,” said Clyde Estes, Chairman of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe. “We thank Senator Rounds for working with us and listening to our request of introducing this important legislation in the United States Senate.”