Jason Baldes Wins National Geographic Wayfinder Award for Bison Restoration

It was an ordinary Wednesday, May 3, 2017, when Jason Baldes spotted an extraordinary sight in the distance: the first bison born on the Wind River Reservation in more than 130 years. Last month, just over seven years later, Baldes received the National Geographic Wayfinder Award for his tireless efforts in making that birth and the many others that followed possible.

The National Geographic Wayfinder Award annually recognizes individuals who have made a significant impact in their respective fields and communities. These individuals are often National Geographic explorers, scientists, conservationists, researchers, storytellers or educators.

Baldes, executive director of the Wind River Tribal Buffalo Initiative, was nominated for his tireless efforts to restore bison to the Wind River Reservation, according to Alex Moen, National Geographic’s manager of explorer engagement.

“It’s because of his extraordinary vision and mission,” Moen said. “From a leadership perspective, he seems to have demonstrated that he’s a real bridge builder between different stakeholder groups.”

Baldes’ journey into bison restoration began after observing the famous wildebeest migration in Africa. He was moved to realize that what he was witnessing was just a fraction of what American bison migrations once were.

As a member of the Eastern Shoshone Tribe, the bison holds special significance for Baldes. “They’re a very important animal to restore, just for their contribution to the ecosystem,” Baldes said. “But when you add to that the relationship that Native Americans had with this animal, it gives credence to restoring this animal not only on tribal lands, but on other lands as well.”

Baldes uses the word “buffalo,” as opposed to “bison,” because it occurs in many Eastern Shoshone surnames.

Baldes also points out that bison restoration isn’t just about Native Americans. While Wyomingites recognize the bison symbol on the state flag, bison were intentionally removed from the landscape in the 19th century to control Native American tribes such as the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho. For Native Americans, losing their connection to bison was significant, Baldes said. That’s why restoring them is so important.

“This is an American story, not just a Native American story. There were 30 to 60 million bison on this continent, and they were virtually wiped out in less than 100 years,” Baldes said. “So it’s a story that hasn’t really been told and it’s a story that’s relevant to all Americans.”

Buffalo are also important from an ecological perspective, not just a cultural one. They help store carbon, provide nesting materials for birds and create microhabitats through their wallowing behavior, Baldes explained.

While he’s always willing to discuss the significance of Bison, Baldes seems less comfortable talking about his own work or accomplishments. Winning a National Geographic Wayfinder Award, however, is significant.

“There’s a certain kind of focused, dedicated approach that reflects what we sometimes call the explorer mindset,” Moen said.

This mindset involves a sense of responsibility, leadership and a commitment to making the world a better place by engaging with communities and inspiring others.

“With all that in mind, Jason, I think that’s really the definition of a National Geographic Explorer,” Moen said.

DISCLOSURE: Baldes’ wife, Patti Baldes, sits on the WyoFile Board of Directors.