Kainai Iinnii Rematriation Project

Kainai First Nation

Nature-based Solutions and Conservation

The Kainai Iinnii Rematriation Project (KIRP) is an ecological and cultural restoration project supporting the reintroduction of plains bison to their ancestral native grasslands on Kainai (Blood Tribe), restoring native grassland ecosystems and traditional Blackfoot culture and way of life. The Iinnii (Blackfoot for "bison") provides food security, independence, and cultural revival. The grasslands provide carbon storage and safeguard biodiversity while also providing plants and animals essential to cultural practices, traditional stories and ceremonies, and medicines for members of Kainai, which will vastly improve mental and community health.