This legislation is designed to support Tribal governments in the management of buffalo and buffalo habitat, and the reestablishment of buffalo populations on Indian land. It acknowledges the profound historical, cultural, spiritual, and subsistence connection between buffalo and Indian Tribes, which has persisted despite past near-extermination events. The bill directs the Secretary of the Interior to collaborate with Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations to enhance their capacity for buffalo management and conservation. It authorizes the Secretary to enter into contracts, cooperative agreements, and grants to enable Tribes to plan and implement buffalo restoration and management programs, execute commercial activities related to buffalo products, and deploy mobile meat processing facilities. Furthermore, the Secretary is mandated to provide technical assistance for these activities and to consult with Tribes on Department initiatives affecting buffalo and their habitat. The Act also requires the development of a policy for buffalo and habitat management on Indian land that aligns with Tribal goals and laws, and allows for the transfer of surplus buffalo from Federal land to Indian land, potentially waiving associated charges. Crucially, the legislation protects culturally sensitive or confidential information provided by Tribes and affirms that it does not diminish any existing Tribal treaty rights. The authority granted by this Act is set to expire seven years after its enactment.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.
Native Americans
Indian Buffalo Management Act
USA119th CongressS-3478| Senate
| Updated: 12/15/2025
This legislation is designed to support Tribal governments in the management of buffalo and buffalo habitat, and the reestablishment of buffalo populations on Indian land. It acknowledges the profound historical, cultural, spiritual, and subsistence connection between buffalo and Indian Tribes, which has persisted despite past near-extermination events. The bill directs the Secretary of the Interior to collaborate with Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations to enhance their capacity for buffalo management and conservation. It authorizes the Secretary to enter into contracts, cooperative agreements, and grants to enable Tribes to plan and implement buffalo restoration and management programs, execute commercial activities related to buffalo products, and deploy mobile meat processing facilities. Furthermore, the Secretary is mandated to provide technical assistance for these activities and to consult with Tribes on Department initiatives affecting buffalo and their habitat. The Act also requires the development of a policy for buffalo and habitat management on Indian land that aligns with Tribal goals and laws, and allows for the transfer of surplus buffalo from Federal land to Indian land, potentially waiving associated charges. Crucially, the legislation protects culturally sensitive or confidential information provided by Tribes and affirms that it does not diminish any existing Tribal treaty rights. The authority granted by this Act is set to expire seven years after its enactment.