The White Earth Nation’s Bison Program welcomed its first calf this week to its breeding herd located near Naytahwaush. The tribal nation stated in a post on Thursday, “This historic birth marks a new chapter in our ongoing efforts to restore the bison to Anishinaabe lands.”
Jack Heisler, bison foreman of the program, says they weren’t expecting a calf until spring 2026 at the earliest.
“Wildlife doesn't follow a script. This bison calf being born, it didn't follow a script either, because the mama is so young,” Heisler said. Bison typically give birth during the springtime.
Heisler says there were no plans to begin breeding until this summer.
Bison, or mashkode-bizhiki in the Ojibwe language, once roamed and thrived on Minnesota’s prairies in large numbers. By the 19th century, settlement and overhunting of bison had reduced the population to a small number of captive bison.
White Earth Nation partners with the InterTribal Buffalo Council — a partnership of over 80 tribes aiming to restore bison herds to tribal lands for cultural and spiritual enhancement and preservation.
The tribal nation received bison for its breeding herd about two years ago. Currently, White Earth Nation has 10 total between its breeding herd and harvest operation.
White Earth Nation agriculture manager Wade Jackson says the Bison Program requested more bison and hopes to have a total of 44 by early next year. The program intends to secure more acres of pasture at both herding locations in Mahnomen and near Naytahwaush in the future.
The calf’s birth is said to be “a sign of resilience, healing and hope for future generations.”
“They're very resilient, just like Native peoples are,” Heisler said.
The calf’s name has not been announced.
Chandra Colvin covers Native American communities in Minnesota for MPR News via Report for America, a national service program that places journalists into local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues and communities.
