Bring Them Home / Aiskótáhkapiyaaya is a documentary about a long effort by members of the Blackfoot Confederacy to return wild buffalo, known as iinnii, to the Blackfeet Reservation in Montana. The film tells a story of persistence, cultural survival, and responsibility. It shows how the return of the buffalo means far more than conservation.

For the Blackfoot people, the buffalo is central to life. It shaped food systems, ceremonies, and identity. When buffalo were nearly wiped out in the nineteenth century, Indigenous communities suffered alongside them. That loss broke traditions and disrupted ways of living that had lasted for generations. The film makes clear that restoring the buffalo also means restoring culture.

The documentary follows elders, leaders, and community members as they work toward this goal. They face political opposition and land-use conflicts. Ranching interests and government policies create barriers. Modern borders complicate the process. Despite these challenges, the effort continues over many years.

Elders share teachings and memories tied to the buffalo. Younger generations speak about reclaiming culture and sovereignty. The land itself becomes a witness to the struggle. Wide landscapes and quiet moments emphasize patience and commitment. When buffalo finally return to reservation land, the moment carries deep emotional weight.

The film presents restoration as an active choice. It links ecological health to cultural healing. Bringing the buffalo home helps rebalance the land. It also strengthens identity and pride within the community.

Bring Them Home / Aiskótáhkapiyaaya argues that healing cannot happen in pieces. The land and the people are connected. The return of the buffalo marks a step toward renewal, continuity, and a future shaped by Indigenous leadership.

Directors: Daniel Glick, Ivan MacDonald, Ivy MacDonald

Stars: Lily Gladstone, Paulette Fox, Ervin Carlson

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