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.

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.