In the mid-1870s, the American plains were transformed into fields of death. In the midst of grasslands once filled with the sound of herds of bison, towering piles of skulls now stood—concrete evidence of mass human hunting. The bison, an animal that had been the backbone of indigenous communities’ ecosystems and cultural life for thousands of years, had been nearly wiped out in a short time.<br /><br />For Native Americans, the bison was more than just an animal. It was a source of food, clothing, shelter, and even spiritual significance. Every part of the bison’s body was used with reverence, reflecting the balance between humans and nature. But that all changed as European settlers and hunters moved west. Bison were initially hunted for their hides and meat. But their bones were soon sold as fertilizer and industrial materials.<br /><br />More painfully, the slaughter of bison also served as an indirect weapon to weaken indigenous tribes. By depriving them of their livelihood, indigenous peoples were forced to submit to colonial rule. Within decades, bison populations that once numbered in the millions dwindled to just a few hundred.<br /><br />The pile of skulls is a symbol of human greed—a stark reminder of how unchecked progress can destroy the balance that has been maintained for millennia. This destruction has not only affected the natural world but also the culture and way of life of indigenous peoples.<br /><br />But amid the destruction, there was a glimmer of hope. In the 20th century, a small group of people began to see the need to save the bison. Through legal protection and conservation efforts, a small population of bison was rescued and re-introduced. They may not be as strong as they once were, but their existence is a symbol that humans can learn from and correct past mistakes.
