Best of: Illinois’ Rosalyn LaPier on her role in ‘The American Buffalo’
Ken Burns' latest documentary explores the natural and cultural history of "The American Buffalo." The painting, "Buffalo Chase with Bows and Lances," is by George Catlin, and dates from 1832-1833. A number of indigenous scholars contributed to the film, including University of Illinois Professor Rosalyn LaPier. Painting via Smithsonian American Art Museum; LaPier via UIUC
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 history professor Rosalyn LaPier was featured prominently in the film. She’s an ethno-botanist and an indigenous writer, and is an enrolled member of the Blackfeet of Montana. She's also Métis.
Back in October, she spoke with Brian Mackey in front of a live audience in the Collins Studio at Illinois Public Media in Urbana.
Guest:
Rosalyn LaPier
Indigenous writer, environmental historian, and ethnobotanist
Enrolled member of the Blackfeet of Montana; Métis
Professor of History, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
A version of this conversation first aired October 16, 2023.