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American Bison Exhibit

The American Bison has been central to traditional Native foodways, cosmologies and religious practices for millennia. Prior to contact with Europeans, this animal provided everything needed for daily sustenance. After the decimation of the buffalo in the 19 th century, Tribes from across the continent have been resolved to restore the buffalo to Native lands to revitalize traditional diets and associated spiritual practices. Several attempts to do so in the early and mid-20 th century were unsuccessful due to changes in land ownership and management practices, and diseases transmitted to the buffalo from livestock. Recent efforts by Tribes, however, have gained traction in restoring this keystone species. Their work ensures the buffalo will remain central to Native diets and cosmologies far into the future.


Our American Bison exhibit, located in lower level of The Native American Educational and Cultural Center® (NAECC), shares the history of bison throughout North America, from its ancient interactions with humans, to near extinction, to present-day initiatives among Native Tribes to restore the bison’s central place in traditional foodways. On your way down to the NAECC, you will be greeted by Bruno, the buffalo (pictured here). It is believed Bruno was the model for a 1901 commemorative Lewis and Clark ten-dollar bill, designed by wildlife artist Charles R. Knight. Others claim this rendering is based on Black Diamond, one of the last remaining buffalo of the late 19th century who found sanctuary at the Bronx Zoo. Sadly, some critical details of Bruno’s origins were lost in the scramble to preserve the few remaining buffalo, and the poor documentation of the time.


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Crazy Horse Memorial®

12151 Avenue of the Chiefs

Crazy Horse, SD 57730-8900

605.673.4681


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