IINNIIWA: THE BLACKFEET BUFFALO STORY | 20 MIN. | DIR. HUNTER ROBERT BAKER AND ELIAS GALLEGOS | EXECUTIVE PRODUCER CHRIS EYRE

In 2025, Native-led nonprofit INDIGENOUS LED, commissioned 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

“Weaves together beautiful imagery of the American plains with Yo-Yo Ma’s phenomenal cello,”

- Stephanie Love-Riner - Director, Santa Fe International Film Festival

“Blackfeet Buffalo Yo-Yo Ma delivers hypnotically on its title.”

- Moviemaker Magazine

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,” 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 I will make its World Premiere at Santa Fe International Film Festival.

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:

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

- Ervin Carlson: Director, Blackfeet Buffalo Program. President, InterTribal Buffalo Council

Co-Founder & Strategic Advisor INDIGENOUS LED

- Chazz Racine, Foreman, Blackfeet Buffalo Program

- Arlan K Edwards, Singer & Songwriter

- Marvin Weatherwax Sr

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

Editors: Brett Banks, Stephan Wever

Music: Kevin Kiner, Sean Kiner, Deana Kiner