This lesson plan explores how the reintroduction of buffalo to the Native peoples helps them reclaim their identity, culture, and traditions. Tribes have an inherent right to reintroduce and manage buffalo on their reservations to preserve their way of life.

Your students will learn about winter counts, which are a pictographic record of historical events for a tiospaye (community). Many Plains Indians used the winter count to preserve history. Significant events are recorded for future generations. During this lesson, your students will create a class winter count, learn about nature dyes, and compare their drawings to original images.

HOMEFRONT: SOUTH DAKOTA STORIES is a World War II oral history collection that follows the theme of “What was it like for you?” WWII Veterans shared their stories with us, and we are honored to share them with you.