Lily Gladstone Reflects on Her Blackfeet Connection to Buffalo and How It Mirrored Her Career Breakthrough (Exclusive)

Lily Gladstone, known for her Oscar-nominated role in ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’, recently shed light on her deep-rooted connection to buffalo, a bond that mirrors her career breakthrough. As the narrator and executive producer of the new documentary ‘Bring Them Home’, Gladstone delves into the significance of buffalo within Blackfeet culture, drawing from her upbringing on the Blackfeet Reservation and her father’s Piegan Blackfeet and Nez Perce heritage.

Speaking exclusively to PEOPLE about the film, Gladstone emphasised that from a young age, she understood that buffalo are intrinsic to the identity of the Blackfeet people. She described them as “the heartbeat of who you are as a people”, a sentiment passed down through generations. The documentary, directed by Ivan MacDonald, Ivy MacDonald, and Daniel Glick, portrays the profound connection between the Blackfeet tribe and buffalo, particularly the American bison, showcasing their myriad uses ranging from food to toys.

However, the late 1800s saw a turbulent period for both buffalo and the Blackfeet people due to Westward expansion in the US, leading to a drastic decline in the buffalo population. Despite the species numbering in the millions at the beginning of the 19th century, only a fraction remained by the late 1880s. This devastating loss had enduring repercussions on the surviving Blackfeet community, contributing to an ongoing struggle with cultural assimilation and identity crisis.

Efforts to reintroduce buffalo to Blackfeet tribal lands faced opposition over the years, with some ranchers and even Blackfeet individuals adopting Western ways viewing the buffalo as a threat to their cattle. Nonetheless, in a pivotal moment in 2023, after extensive education and advocacy, 49 buffalo were successfully released near Glacier National Park in Montana, with Chief Mountain serving as a symbolic backdrop. This momentous event, captured in the documentary’s finale, resonated deeply with Gladstone.

Reflecting on the significance of the buffalo’s return to Blackfeet territory, Gladstone expressed awe at witnessing the herd’s instinctual navigation towards Chief Mountain. She likened this homecoming to a beacon of familiarity and belonging for the Blackfeet people, a powerful moment that encapsulated the essence of their cultural heritage. Despite being occupied with her film commitments at the time, Gladstone felt a profound connection to the buffalo’s journey, viewing it as a parallel narrative to her own career trajectory.

In her own words, Gladstone remarked, “It’s always kind of felt like any momentum I’ve gained career-wise, it feels like there’s a giant buffalo run behind it.” This intertwined journey of cultural resurgence and personal growth underscores the profound link between Gladstone’s heritage and professional success. Her involvement in ‘Bring Them Home’ serves not only as a platform to amplify the narrative of the Blackfeet tribe but also as a testament to the resilience and spirit of indigenous communities reclaiming their narratives.

‘Bring Them Home’ offers a poignant reflection on the interwoven histories of buffalo and the Blackfeet people, highlighting the enduring connection between culture, land, and identity. As audiences engage with this compelling narrative, Lily Gladstone’s stewardship as both a storyteller and cultural advocate reinforces the importance of preserving indigenous traditions and honouring the legacy of resilient communities like the Blackfeet tribe.