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TRENDING
Jan. 22, 2024
Singing Back the Buffalo Chronicles Indigenous Women's Expedition
Singing Back the Buffalo becomes a poignant exploration of Indigenous heritage, buffalo consciousness, and the vital link between the buffalo and the land. By: Wee Yan Ling
Five
years after the reintroduction of a buffalo herd to Banff National Park, five
indigenous women go on a historic hike to reconnect with the majestic
creatures. Spearheaded by the award-winning filmmaker Tasha Hubbard, the
journey is documented for her feature, Singing Back the Buffalo.
The
documentary tells the story of how indigenous visionaries, scientists and
communities are repatriating buffalo to the heart of the North American plains
they once defined in. The documentary explores the indigenous heritage,
consciousness of the buffalo, and the significant connection between the land
and the buffalo.
Hubbard
grown up on the prairies in Saskatchewan and has envisaged big buffalo herds
wandering around the meadow. However, the intentional slaughter campaigns of
the past have drastically caused a decline in their numbers, causing an impact
on the Indigenous plains nations. The near-extinction of the buffalo has forced
Indigenous people into reserves and to cut ties with the land for more than a
century.
Now
an award-winning filmmaker, a buffalo academic and buffalo activist, Hubbard is
going to use her documentary to explore the concepts of buffalo consciousness
and personhood. The documentary unveils the significance of repatriating
teachings from the buffalo and underscores the importance of return in a time
marked by climate change and food insecurity.
“The
buffalo are moving into the public consciousness, but what has been missing is
the full picture of what they mean to us as Indigenous Peoples. As a feature
filmmaker who has been learning about and connecting to the buffalo for years
for my academic career, this film marks the intersection of my two worlds. I
have been dreaming about the possibilities for the restoration of the large
herds of buffalo for decades, and this film will follow my journey as I meet
with Indigenous Peoples who share a similar dream,” said Hubbard.
The
documentary is scheduled to premiere in 2024 and offers a cinematic exploration
of Indigenous women and the sacred connection with the reintroduced buffalo in
Banff Park.
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