Save the Yellowstone Grizzly Supports the Grizzly Treaty: Indigenous Wisdom Must Help Lead Grizzly Bear Recovery

At Save the Yellowstone Grizzly, we proudly stand in support of The Grizzly: A Treaty of Cooperation, Cultural Revitalization and Restoration, also known as the Piikani Treaty. Initiated by the Piikani Nation, this historic North American tribal accord has brought together more than 200 Tribal Nations and First Nations in a shared commitment to protect the grizzly bear, revitalize Indigenous cultures, and restore the ancient relationship between people and the grizzly.

For thousands of years, Indigenous peoples have lived alongside grizzly bears. Their relationship is rooted not in domination, but in respect, reciprocity, and responsibility. Long before modern wildlife biology existed, Native peoples developed sophisticated systems of stewardship based on careful observation, lived experience, and a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of all living things. Today, we recognize this as Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) knowledge that has been refined over countless generations.

As conservationists, we believe the future of grizzly bear recovery should not rely solely on western science or political pressure. The best path forward is one that brings together rigorous scientific research with the wisdom, values, and stewardship traditions of the Tribal Nations who have shared these landscapes with grizzlies since time immemorial.

The treaty makes this vision clear. It calls for restoring grizzly bears to suitable habitat, reconnecting fragmented populations, protecting bears from trophy hunting on Tribal lands, reducing conflicts through education and stewardship, and ensuring that future grizzly management is built upon Indigenous cultural foundations while incorporating the best available science.
This vision closely aligns with our own mission.

For years, Save the Yellowstone Grizzly has advocated for reconnecting isolated grizzly populations across the Northern Rockies, protecting secure habitat, reducing human-bear conflicts, and ensuring that grizzly recovery extends beyond a few isolated ecosystems. We have also consistently supported a greater role for Tribal Nations in wildlife conservation and decision-making.

The treaty reminds us that grizzly bear recovery is about more than population numbers. It is about restoring healthy ecosystems, honoring Tribal sovereignty and treaty rights, protecting cultural traditions, and rebuilding our relationship with the natural world.

The future of grizzly conservation should be guided by partnership not conflict. By listening to Indigenous voices and respecting Traditional Ecological Knowledge alongside modern science, we have an opportunity to create a recovery program that is more durable, more inclusive, and ultimately more successful.

As we work toward a connected and resilient grizzly population throughout the Northern Rockies, Save the Yellowstone Grizzly stands with the many Tribal Nations and First Nations that have signed the Piikani Treaty.

The grizzly has always been more than a species to recover.

It is a symbol of healthy ecosystems, cultural resilience, and our shared responsibility to future generations.

Together, we can ensure that grizzly bears, and the wisdom they represent, continue to shape the wild landscapes of North America for generations to come.

Download the PDF: Grizzly: A Treaty of Cooperation, Cultural Revitalization and Restoration