Browning, Montana. Home of the Blackfeet Nation and its descendants. Tradition looms large in the wilderness, and for the inhabitants of the Buffalo Spirit Hills Ranch, it represents a way of life and restoration. In director Ruthie Weeks’ short documentary Where We Once Roamed, we follow the daily life of ranch keeper Ethan Running Crane and program director Ervin Carlson Jr. as their mission to reintroduce an ancient, native species to the grassy plains reaches a turning point.
To tell the story of the Native American culture would mean also reflecting on that of the buffalo—a diverse animal whose every part could be harvested and used for food, clothing, medicinal practices, and shelter. But more than just a resource, the buffalo was considered sacred for its qualities. Invading settlers quickly recognized their importance, and as Ethan points out, knew that to make the tribes more submissive, they would need to eradicate the creature. The short does a great job spotlighting bits and pieces of this dark time period, but it could have used a little more depth beyond quickly glossing over such important historical context.
Through candid interviews with Ethan and other natives like Shane Little Bear, we come to understand the significance of the buffalo, but not its modern-day function. For enthusiasts of the topic, Where We Once Roamed would make for a terrific appetizer. It will definitely leave you wanting to know more, where perhaps more perspectives are voiced to support the reintroduction of free-roaming buffalo and its positive environmental impact. For a 14-minute short, it does a remarkable job establishing a spiritual connection with its viewer. It’s well-edited, superbly shot, and the opening painting sequence alone is worth the price of admission.
Where We Once Roamed is terrific. It’s a brief yet soulful window into a powerful effort to restore indigenous values and environmental stability.
