89 



Most important, the restoration of buffalo to Indian people re- 

 news hope, and is perhaps the last viable effort that can protect 

 tribal lands from the ravages of mismanagement, and quite pos- 

 sibly offers the last opportunity for grassroots tribal members to re- 

 capture the spiritual and cultural essence of their being and reaf- 

 firm the traditional values that are so important to the preserva- 

 tion of their culture. 



Because buffalo were the economic base of many tribes in the 

 past, restoration of buffalo to the Indian community also offers a 

 tremendous opportunity for economic development within a cul- 

 tural framework. 



Although Congress responded to the InterTribal Cooperative's re- 

 quest for funding and appropriated $400,000 in 1992, $450,000 in 

 1993, that falls considerably short of the $2 million that the 24 

 tribes requested and needed in order to keep this thing going. 



Therefore, increased and continued funding is absolutely essen- 

 tial to ensure the success of this important restoration effort. 



In closing, I would like to remind the Committee of the critical 

 role that fish and wildlife resources play in the daily lives of Indian 

 people. For too long, Indian people have been denied the oppor- 

 tiuiity to develop and manage their own resources. 



The projects we have presented in this testimony are based on 

 our traditional world view, which has become a driving rationale 

 for natural resource management espoused by environmental ex- 

 perts across the world. 



We firmly believe that legislative action which recognizes tribes 

 as full participants in fish, v^ldlife, and recreational management, 

 will enable us to assume our rightfiil role in land stewardship and 

 resource management. 



We respectfully request your recommendations to the Appropria- 

 tions Committee for mnding these most important projects. 



Thank you. 



[Prepared statement of Mr. DuBray and Prairie Management 

 Plan follow:] 



