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.

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.” Today we’ll hear two conversations about the film. First, with Burns himself. Then, with one of the indigenous experts featured in the film — University of Illinois Professor Rosalyn LaPier.
 

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.

'The American Buffalo' premieres on PBS on October 16, 2023. Ken Burns talked about his newest film with The 21st.

The new four-part PBS documentary "College Behind Bars" examines what higher education looks like in New York State prisons — and the impact it has on incarcerated students. Lynn Novick produced and directed the film, and Ken Burns is an executive producer.