Lily Gladstone Narrates PBS Documentary on Blackfeet Nation’s Historic Buffalo Return

Oscar Nominee Lily Gladstone Champions Blackfeet Bison Restoration Story on PBS

Lily Gladstone, the Oscar-nominated star of Killers of the Flower Moon, is lending her voice and expertise to a powerful new documentary airing on PBS. The film chronicles the decades-long, pivotal struggle of the Blackfeet Nation (Amskapi Piikuni) to successfully return the American bison—known to them as Iinnii—to their ancestral lands.

This documentary, which Gladstone also executive-produced, moves beyond simple nature conservation to explore a profound story of cultural, ecological, and spiritual restoration. It highlights the persistence required to reverse the catastrophic near-extinction of the bison and the ongoing efforts to revitalize the ecosystem and heritage of the Blackfeet people in Montana.

The Story Behind the Film: Decades of Restoration and Resilience

The documentary focuses on a conservation effort that began not years, but decades ago. For the Blackfeet Nation, the buffalo is not merely wildlife; it is a spiritual relative, an economic cornerstone, and a central pillar of their identity. The near-eradication of the bison in the 19th century was a deliberate strategy to dismantle Indigenous sovereignty and subsistence, making the current restoration effort a powerful act of decolonization and healing.

Cultural and Ecological Importance of Iinnii

The Blackfeet Nation’s commitment to restoring the bison population is rooted in deep cultural significance. The return of the Iinnii is essential for the health of the prairie ecosystem, which evolved alongside the massive herds. Their grazing patterns promote native grasses and biodiversity, creating a healthier landscape than cattle ranching.

Key aspects of the Blackfeet restoration effort highlighted in the film include:

• Ecological Revival: Bison grazing habits help restore native prairie grasses and mitigate invasive species, improving the overall health of the land.
• Food Sovereignty: The return of the bison provides a sustainable, culturally appropriate food source for the community.
• Spiritual Connection: Re-establishing the relationship with Iinnii is a vital component of cultural revitalization and intergenerational healing.

This documentary provides an expert look at the complex political, legal, and environmental hurdles the Nation faced in securing land and resources necessary for the herds to thrive, offering a model for tribal-led conservation across North America.

Lily Gladstone’s Deep Connection to the Narrative

Lily Gladstone’s involvement as both narrator and executive producer adds significant weight and authenticity to the project. Gladstone, who is of Blackfeet and Nez Perce heritage, brings an intimate understanding of the subject matter, transforming the film from a simple report into a deeply personal narrative.

Her rise to global prominence following her historic Oscar nomination for her role in Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon has given her a powerful platform, which she is strategically using to amplify critical Indigenous stories.

“This story is about more than just conservation; it’s about healing the land and healing the people,” Gladstone has stated regarding the project. “It’s a testament to the resilience and enduring connection the Blackfeet Nation has to the Iinnii.”

Gladstone’s narration is expected to provide the emotional anchor for the film, guiding viewers through the historical trauma and the eventual triumph of the restoration movement.

Airing Details and Broader Implications

The documentary is slated to air on PBS as part of its commitment to showcasing diverse American stories and environmental issues. Its broadcast in late 2025 ensures maximum visibility, leveraging the ongoing public interest in Indigenous-led conservation efforts and the high profile of its narrator.

The film’s release comes at a time when tribal nations across the U.S. and Canada are increasingly taking the lead in ecological management and species restoration. The Blackfeet Nation’s success provides a crucial case study demonstrating that Indigenous knowledge and stewardship are indispensable components of effective environmental policy.

The National Bison Range Context

While the documentary focuses on the Blackfeet Nation’s specific efforts, it is important to note the broader context of bison management in the region. The transfer of the National Bison Range (now the Pablo National Wildlife Refuge) back to tribal management in recent years underscores a growing trend toward recognizing tribal authority over ancestral lands and resources. The Blackfeet’s long fight for their own herd repatriation aligns with this larger movement toward self-determination and ecological justice.

Key Takeaways

For viewers interested in conservation, Indigenous history, and powerful storytelling, this PBS documentary offers essential viewing:

• Narrator and EP: The film is narrated and executive-produced by Lily Gladstone (Blackfeet/Nez Perce), ensuring authenticity and visibility.
• Subject: It details the Blackfeet Nation’s decades-long, successful effort to restore the bison (Iinnii) to their reservation lands in Montana.
• Significance: The restoration is presented as a crucial act of cultural revitalization, ecological healing, and tribal sovereignty.
• Platform: The documentary will be broadcast on PBS, making it widely accessible to a national audience.

Conclusion: A Model for Indigenous-Led Conservation

This PBS documentary is more than just a historical account; it is a contemporary success story that provides a powerful blueprint for Indigenous-led conservation worldwide. By preserving the facts of the Blackfeet Nation’s struggle and celebrating their eventual success, the film offers viewers a deep understanding of why the return of the buffalo is critical—not just for the Blackfeet, but for the ecological health and cultural diversity of North America. Lily Gladstone’s involvement guarantees that this vital story will reach the broad audience it deserves, fostering greater awareness and support for tribal sovereignty and environmental stewardship.