IINNIIWA: THE BLACKFEET BUFFALO STORY | TEASER

Directed By Hunter Robert Baker and Elias Gallegos

Executive Producer Chris Eyre

INDIGENOUSLED.ORG

PRESS AND IMPACT EVENTS

SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL 2026 IMPACT LOUNGE

Native-led nonprofit INDIGENOUS LED, approached Hunter Robert Baker and Elias Gallegos to direct a three-part trilogy project supporting the rewilding of sacred iinnii relatives, buffalo, on Blackfeet Territory. The project was executive produced by Chris Eyre (Dark Winds, Smoke Signals). To learn more visit INDIGENOUSLED.ORG

ACT I - IINNIIWA: The Blackfeet Buffalo Story

The Music Film 

ACT I, In support of these efforts, world-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma traveled to Blackfeet Nation to add his art to the chorus that calls to these sacred Buffalo relatives. Yo-Yo performs “Amazing Grace, Going Home” a medley that offers hope and unity during divided times. Evoking our largest humanity, Yo-Yo Ma honors the power of relationship in an uncertain world, demonstrating the ability of art to unite us. Ma celebrates the Blackfeet Nation’s unwavering devotion to the return of free-roaming Buffalo, sacred iinnii, to their homelands.

ACT II - IINNIIWA: The Blackfeet Buffalo Story

The Documentary

ACT II, a documentary film that looks at the genocide of buffalo and the efforts to restore these sacred relatives. The Blackfoot people have always sung a Buffalo song. Nearly 150 years have passed since these sacred relatives, called “iinnii” in the Blackfoot language, were nearly forced to extinction on Turtle Island—but the Blackfoot people have never stopped calling their kin home.  The Blackfeet Buffalo Program has been at the forefront of returning buffalo to the Blackfeet territory for over two decades. In June 2023, the Program made history by returning 49 iinnii to their homelands at the base of Nínaiistáko, or Chief Mountain—a site sacred to all Blackfoot people. There, in the foothills that the Blackfeet call home, the first free-roaming Buffalo returned to the last intact grasslands in North America. The homecoming was also a moment of fruition for the long-time partnerships between the Blackfoot Buffalo Program, Blackfeet Fish & Wildlife, Glacier and Waterton Lakes National Parks, and the Native-led nonprofit INDIGENOUS LED.

ACT III - IINNIIWA: The Blackfeet Buffalo Story

Yo-Yo Ma Epilogue

ACT III, an epilogue by Yo-Yo Ma on the vital nature of Blackfeet Nation, Blackfeet Buffalo Program, and INDIGENOUS LED’s mission. Yo-Yo offer’s insight into his personal journey as an artist and the responsibility he feels working around these impactful stories.

IINNIIWA: THE BLACKFEET BUFFALO STORY FEATURES:

- Ervin Carlson: Director, Blackfeet Buffalo Program. President, InterTribal Buffalo Council Co-Founder & Strategic Advisor INDIGENOUS LED

- Cristina Mormorunni, Co-Founder & Executive Director, INDIGENOUS LED

- Chazz Racine, Foreman, Blackfeet Buffalo Program

- Arlan K Edwards, Singer & Songwriter

- Marvin Weatherwax Sr, Backfeet Elder & Knowledge Keeper

- Sequoyah Eloise Osborne, Buffalo Traveler

Supported by DORIS DUKE FOUNDATION.

Client: INDIGENUOUS LED

Production Company: TURQUOISE HORSE

Directors: Hunter Robert Baker, Elias Gallegos

Executive Producer: Chris Eyre

Producers: Matt Ackerman, Hunter Robert Baker, Elias Gallegos, Cristina Mormorunni

Co-Producer: Laura Ball, Brett Banks

Cinematographer: Hunter Robert Baker

Team Highlights

Blackfeet Buffalo with Yo-Yo Ma was directed and shot by Hunter Robert Baker (True Detective: Night Country, The Blessing) and Elias Gallegos. The film was edited by Brett Banks (Willie Nelson & Family, The Blessing) and Stephan Wever. The film was scored by Kevin Kiner (Dark Winds, Narcos: Mexico, Star Wars: Ahsoka). The film was executive produced by Chris Eyre (Dark Winds, Smoke Signals).

Unit Production Manager: Jeri Rafter

Editors: Brett Banks, Stephan Wever

Music: Kevin Kiner, Sean Kiner, Deana Kiner

Sound Designer: Shawn Coleman

Colorist: Parker Jarvie

2nd Unit Director: Stephan Wever

2nd Unit DP: Zach Lowry, Alice Boucherie

Photography by Zach Lowry

1st Assistant Director: Aaron Murtagh

A Camera 1st AC: Matt Vasquez

A Camera 2nd AC: Hallie Swain

DIT: Jim Menkol

Movi Operator: Ryan Hamelin

Movi Tech: Erin Trout

Drone Operator: Wyatt Humphreys

Drone Pilot: Finley Morris

Gaffer: David Brown

Key Grip Michael Jezak

BBG: Parker Temple

Location Sound: Chris Moretti

Location Sound: Ryan Graham Laughlin

HMU: Nancy Mullen

Set Medic: Beth Goss

Production Assistant: Misty Rose

Stand In: Casey McDonald

Buffalo Wrangler: Adrian “Slew” Costel

Buffalo Wrangler: Alonso Skunkcap

Buffalo Wrangler: Joe Lapalante