Thunderheart Films

As we ring in the new year, we’re reflecting on an incredible journey this past year! From festival premieres to community screenings, Bring Them Home/Aiskótáhkapiyaaya has gathered inspiration, support, and momentum—all thanks to YOU. 🦬🩵 Here’s a look back at the amazing moments and milestones from this year. Each screening represents a celebration of this important initiative, the return of the bison, and the Blackfoot community members who are the driving force of its success. Stay tuned for more screenings in 2025! Here’s to honoring the sacred role of bison and coming together to inspire a bright future.

In the heart of winter, the iinnii move with unwavering strength. ❄️

13 Buffalo Return Home: A Powerful Act of Restoration & Resilience

On November 12th, thirteen buffalo were returned to the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, marking a powerful moment of restoration and resilience. The InterTribal Buffalo Council and Winnebago Wildlife & Parks spearheaded this effort, symbolizing the ongoing work to reconnect buffalo with their homelands. Winnebago youth greeted the arrival with excitement, underscoring the importance of preserving this connection for future generations. U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland also recognized the day, emphasizing the buffalo’s vital role in culture, sustenance, and sovereignty for Native nations. This significant milestone highlights the collective dedication required to restore bison populations and honor their central place in Indigenous heritage. InterTribal Buffalo Council

Join the herd 🦬 Shop the 'Bring Them Home/Aiskótáhkapiyaaya' merch at www.thunderheartfilms.com/shop Every purchase supports our mission to bring this vital story to as many hearts and screens as possible. Proceeds directly fund screenings and ensure widespread access for the Blackfoot community.

The Ecological Buffalo: On the Trail of a Keystone Species

📚🦬 Book Spotlight: The Ecological Buffalo 🦬🌿 Today, we’re excited to share a must-read for all bison enthusiasts and conservation advocates: The Ecological Buffalo: On the Trail of a Keystone Species by Wes Olson, with a powerful foreword by the esteemed Leroy Little Bear. Join Olson, with over 35 years of experience working with bison, on an enlightening journey through “The Ecological Buffalo.” The buffalo, an emblem of the North American continent, once roamed in vast herds, playing a critical role in shaping ecosystems and supporting Indigenous Peoples for millennia. In a span of just 30 years in the mid-1800s, buffalo populations plummeted from more than 30 million to just twenty three. As this recovery proceeds, the relationships the animals once had with thousands of species are being re-established in a remarkable process of ecological healing. Explore the intricate relationships and the remarkable recovery of this keystone species in the Great Plains. Get your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/088977871X/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1 #BisonAwareness #KeystoneSpecies #Conservation #IndigenousKnowledge #EcologicalBuffalo #WildlifeConservation

How to Support The Blackfeet Nation’s Tribal Buffalo Program

In 2009, the Iinnii Initiative was launched by leaders of the four tribes that make up the Blackfoot Confederacy - Blackfeet Nation, Kainai Nation, Piikani Nation, and Siksika Nation - to conserve traditional lands, protect Blackfeet culture, and create a home for the buffalo to return to. By joining the effort in rewilding and protecting the buffalo, we are preserving Blackfeet cultural heritage and connection, and fostering a sustainable ecosystem for generations to come. #BisonAwareness #WildlifeConservation #InspirationInAction #BlackfeetTradition

Lily Gladstone chronicles her journey with 'Bring Them Home.' Lily is Blackfeet and brings an authentic and deeply personal perspective to the project, highlighting the significance of the film's message and its impact on her community. Listen to the full interview here: https://www.kuow.org/stories/seattle-international-film-festival-bring-them-home-lily-gladstone-chronicles-blackfeet-nations-reunion-with-buffalo-in-new-siff-documentary?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3fiQ2mcJEcPw9WYVO3Y6ZXPH28Jf4Is-5BYkaXZPF_8FQ81l5NaMogdm8_aem_x2AXvQyv0AddD57MsqdkvA 📻 Clip from NPR KUOW Photo by Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP

Almost everything about how the buffalo live and move through the environment benefit other animals, insects, plants, and the land as a whole. Here’s why the buffalo are true ecological heroes: 🌾 Grassland Guardians: Buffalo grazing promotes plant diversity and prevents overgrowth. 🦬 Soil Health Boosters: Their hooves till the soil, aiding seed dispersal and nutrient cycling. 🌾 Water Regulators: Their wallows create mini wetlands, supporting diverse wildlife. 🦬 Wildlife Support: Buffalo presence enhances biodiversity, supporting various species. 🌾 Cultural Heritage: Buffalo restoration honors Indigenous heritage and traditional practices, fostering a deeper connection to the land. Together, we can support Indigenous buffalo restoration efforts and ensure a sustainable future. #BisonRestoration #WildlifeConservation #BlackfeetBuffaloProgram

From local communities to worldwide efforts, the revival of buffalo holds a deeper meaning beyond just conservation—it's a beacon of unity bridging continents. 🌎🦬 Two years ago, the birth of the first UK bison marked a milestone in a rewilding mission dedicated to restoring forests to their natural, diverse state. Bison embody not only ecological strength but also stand as a powerful symbol of harmony among continents and Indigenous cultures. Let's harness this global momentum to restore bison populations and foster cross-cultural collaboration for a brighter future. ##IinniiInitiative #BisonRevival #GlobalUnity

Tonight we present with Bozeman Doc Series ‘Bring Them Home/Aiskótáhkapiyaaya’ at The Emerson Center for Arts and Culture in Bozeman, Montana! Join us for a special gathering starting at 6:00 p.m., sponsored by Buffalo Nations Food Systems Initiative at Montana State University. Tickets are available at the door or before the show online at www.bozemandocseries.org. We hope to see you there!

Bring Them Home | Aiskótáhkapiyaaya Official Trailer

The official trailer for our newest film 'Bring Them Home,' a journey following the decades-long effort by members of the Blackfoot Confederacy to bring buffalo back to the Blackfeet Reservation and rewild them. Premiering at Big Sky Documentary Film Festival in Missoula, Montana on Saturday, February 24th. Directed by Ivan MacDonald, Ivy MacDonald and Daniel Glick. Produced by Daniel Glick, Ivan MacDonald, and Sarah Clarke. Cinematography by Zane Clampett, Kier Atherton and Daniel Glick. Executive Produced by Melissa Grumhaus, Sarah Clarke and Lily Gladstone. Narrated by Lily Gladstone.