Guest Speaker: Dallas Gudgell
Wildlife and Tribal Policy Director
International Wildlife Co-existence Network (IWCN)

Join us for this unique opportunity to hear from a leading voice in wildlife conservation and indigenous rights. Dallas will discuss the Tribal Heritage Restoration Act, a newly introduced bill, and its potential cultural and ecological significance for keystone species and their habitats.

We are thrilled to announce a special Autumn Open Meeting featuring Dallas Gudgell, a renowned advocate and expert in environmental science, human rights, and indigenous conservation efforts.

His talk will focus on the pivotal topic of buffalo conservation, alongside the reintroduction of wolves and the recent legislative efforts for wildlife preservation in the United States.

Dallas, with nearly 40 years of experience, has been instrumental in the fight for climate justice, indigenous rights, and wildlife conservation, working closely with tribal governments, NGOs, and elected officials. Born and raised on the Fort Peck Reservation in Montana, he blends his deep Native heritage with modern conservation strategies, offering a unique perspective on how traditional knowledge can guide us toward a more sustainable, balanced relationship with the natural world.

In this special talk, Dallas will take us through the introduction of the Tribal Heritage and American Bison, Grizzly Bear, and Wolf Restoration and Coexistence Act, a groundbreaking bill that, if passed, will be a monumental step forward in the protection and recovery of bison, wolves, and grizzly bears. Introduced by U.S. Senator Cory Booker and U.S. Representative Raúl M. Grijalva, this proposed legislation seeks to establish permanent federal protections for these species, expand recovery efforts, and enhance tribal management authorities. Notably, it aims to create oversight committees to work alongside Indian Tribes, ensuring that tribal lands play a key role in reintroduction efforts.

Dallas will delve into the ongoing efforts to push this critical bill through Congress, a process that has involved extensive advocacy from organisations like the International Wildlife Coexistence Network (IWCN) and passionate individuals dedicated to the conservation of these iconic species.

He will explore what this potential victory means for the future of bison conservation, especially in light of the birth of a rare white buffalo calf earlier this year in Yellowstone Park—an event of profound cultural significance to the Lakota people and a powerful symbol of hope for the restoration of wild buffalo herds.

As a bonus, Dallas will share the Lakota story of the White Buffalo Calf Woman and discuss the prophecy’s fulfillment with the birth of this sacred calf, named by Lakota Chief Arvol Looking Horse. This significant event not only marks a milestone for the last wild buffalo herd in Yellowstone but also underscores the deeper spiritual and ecological importance of the species’ survival.

Join us for this inspiring and thought-provoking presentation as Dallas Gudgell discusses the intertwined stories of conservation, cultural heritage, and the path toward a more harmonious coexistence with our non-human relatives.

WBG Autumn Open Meeting