State of Change 2025 traveled to the Nachusa Grasslands in Lee County, where wild bison roam. We learned how bison and fires naturally restore and maintain the tallgrass prairie. We talked with University of Illinois professor of history Rosalyn LaPier about bison, the prairie, and Indigenous communities.

State of Change 2025 looks at efforts to retain existing prairie in Illinois, as well as strategies to restore some areas to a more natural state.

The buffalo sustained Native Americans for hundreds of generations — until they were hunted to near extinction in the 1800s. Those stories — and how the buffalo have recovered — are the subject of the latest documentary from Ken Burns, called “The American Buffalo.” University of Illinois Professor Rosalyn LaPier was featured prominently in the film. In October, before a live studio audience in Urbana, she talked with Brian Mackey about the film and her background as a member of the Blackfeet of Montana.

The buffalo sustained Native Americans for hundreds of generations — until they were hunted to near extinction in the 1800s. Those stories — and how the buffalo have recovered — are the subject of the latest documentary from Ken Burns, called “The American Buffalo.” Today we’ll hear two conversations about the film. First, with Burns himself. Then, with one of the indigenous experts featured in the film — University of Illinois Professor Rosalyn LaPier.
 

Rosalyn LaPier is an enrolled member of the Blackfeet of Montana and Métis nations. She is a heavily quoted source in 'The American Buffalo' docuseries, debuting October 16, 2023.