DC | A Bison Celebration

About

Celebrate the past, present, and future of North America’s largest land mammal. Through captivating films and hands-on activities, learn about the bison’s vital role in restoring grassland ecosystems and its deep spiritual connection to Tribal nations. "A Bison Celebration" is part of the Smithsonian Institution’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Level 1, Rasmuson Theater | 1 PM–2:45PM | Film Screenings Rebirth of the Range This documentary follows the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) as they reclaim the 19,000-acre National Bison Range in Montana. With exclusive, behind-the-scenes access, the film explores a rare federal land transfer and the tribes' assumption of stewardship over their sacred bison. More than just a management shift, it’s a powerful story of indigenous environmental leadership reclaiming the land and correcting the historical record. Directors: Kira Kay and Jason Maloney, USA, 2023, 45 min. Waabishki Mashkode-Bizhiki (White Bison) In an act of profound spiritual significance, the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians gifted five rare white buffalo calves to neighboring tribal nations in the North Dakota region. Far more than a generous gesture, this was a sacred sharing of medicine—one that fulfills an ancient prophecy deeply woven into the heritage of Indigenous tribes across Turtle Island. Director: Justin Deegan (Lakota/ Three Affiliated Tribes), USA, 2025, 15 min. Homecoming Homecoming follows Jason Baldes, an Eastern Shoshone and a member of the InterTribal Buffalo Council, as he leads historic transfers of bison to Indigenous communities which will maintain their herds to supply a healthy food source and cultural touchstone for their tribal citizens. The film explores what living among the bison once again means for Native people-today and for future generations. Director: Julianna Brannum (Comanche), USA, 2023, 18 min. Level 1, Rasmuson Theater | 3–5 PM | Film Screenings Singing Back the Buffalo Indigenous visionaries, scientists, and communities are rematriating the buffalo to the heart of the North American plains they once defined, signaling a turning point for Indigenous nations, the ecosystem, and our collective survival. Director: Tasha Hubbard (Cree), Canada, 2025, 52 min. Buffalo Spirit Seeking escape from a turbulent home, a young Blackfeet woman finds sanctuary on her aunt's buffalo ranch, discovering that tending to the sacred herd is the key to healing her own deep wounds. Directors: Ivy MacDonald (Blackfeet) and Daniel Glick, USA, 2024, 17 min. The Smithsonian’s Great American Bison Road Trip Since it opened in 1910, two plinths outside of the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) have stood empty. Now, as the United States marks its 250th anniversary, they have finally been occupied by America's national mammal. In March 2026, bronze sculptures of three larger than life bronze bison crafted by artist Gary Staab embarked on a cross country road trip from Loveland, Colorado to Washington, D.C. Follow their journey in this short film by filmmaker Trevor Hawkins with music by Ryan Pinkston. Filmmaker: Trevor Hawkins, USA, 2026, 9 min. Level 1, Potomac Atrium | 1–5 PM | Hands On Activities, Information Table Buffalo Buddies: Make a Felt Bison Celebrate North America’s largest land mammal by creating your very own felt bison friend! Visitors can stitch, stuff, and decorate a soft bison keepsake to take home while learning about the cultural and ecological importance of the American bison. This fun, hands-on activity is perfect for aspiring crafters of all skill levels and makes a memorable souvenir from the Bison Celebration. Culture Connections: Bison—One Stop Shopping! Explore the powerful story of the American bison and its deep connection to Native cultures. Through a hands-on, multi-sensory experience featuring Native American objects, visitors will learn how generations of Indigenous communities used every part of the bison to sustain daily life while honoring its cultural and spiritual significance. Discover the traditions, ingenuity, and resilience of Native peoples in this interactive 5-to-10-minute program that repeats on demand. Bison and the Smithsonian: A Legacy of Conservation Learn the powerful story of the American bison with staff from the National Museum of Natural History. Hear about the Smithsonian’s long connection to bison, from early conservation efforts during the 1800s to modern cutting-edge genetic research, and the essential role bison play in maintaining vibrant, healthy grassland ecosystems. Level 3, ImagiNATIONS Activity Center | 1–5 PM | Drop-in Art Activity Color a Bison Quilt Block designed by Lauren Good Day (Arikara/Hidatsa/Blackfeet/Plains Cree) Lauren Good Day, "Good Day Woman," is an award-winning artist and fashion designer.