Heather Dawn Thompson: A Lifetime of Leadership in Tribal Conservation and Bison Restoration

For generations, the bison—known as tatanka in Lakota—has been more than an animal to Native American tribes. It is a symbol of cultural resilience, spiritual connection, and ecological balance. Few people embody this legacy as deeply as Heather Dawn Thompson, a citizen of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and a leading voice in tribal conservation, food sovereignty, and the restoration of America’s iconic bison herds.

Thompson’s operate spans decades, from her early years influenced by her family’s role in saving the last wild bison in the 1800s to her current leadership at the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), where she serves as Vice President of Native Nations Food Systems & Conservation. Her career reflects a rare blend of legal expertise, policy advocacy, and grassroots activism, all rooted in the belief that Indigenous knowledge and modern conservation must work hand in hand.

The Family Legacy: Saving the Last Wild Bison

Thompson’s connection to bison conservation is personal. She is a direct descendant of Mary Good Elk Woman and Frederick Dupree, one of the few families credited with rescuing the last remaining wild bison from near-extinction in the late 19th century. At a time when the U.S. Government and commercial hunters had slaughtered millions of bison—reducing their population from an estimated 30 million to fewer than 1,000—Dupree and other Native families secretly protected small herds on their lands. Their efforts laid the foundation for the bison’s gradual recovery.

“Bison conservation is in my blood,” Thompson has said. “My ancestors risked everything to ensure these animals survived. Today, my work is about honoring that legacy while creating a sustainable future for both bison and the tribes who depend on them.”

A Career Built on Advocacy and Policy

Thompson’s professional journey is a testament to her commitment to tribal sovereignty and environmental stewardship. After graduating cum laude from Harvard Law School, she began her career as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in South Dakota’s Indian Country Section, where she prosecuted violent crimes and worked to strengthen legal protections for Native communities. Her experience in federal law gave her firsthand insight into the systemic challenges facing tribes, from jurisdictional disputes to the erosion of traditional land management practices.

In 2013, Thompson took on a pivotal role as Director of Government Affairs for the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), the nation’s oldest and largest inter-tribal organization. There, she advocated for policies that recognized tribal authority over natural resources, including bison herds. Her work helped shape federal initiatives like the USDA Food Sovereignty Initiative and the Joint Secretarial Order on Tribal Co-Stewardship, which promote collaborative management of federal lands and waters between tribes and government agencies.

Leading the Charge at the World Wildlife Fund

In her current role at WWF, Thompson oversees programs that integrate Indigenous knowledge with modern conservation science. One of her signature initiatives is the Native Nations Conservation Program, which supports tribes in restoring bison herds, revitalizing traditional food systems, and combating climate change. Under her leadership, WWF has partnered with tribes like the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe to expand bison habitat, improve herd health, and create economic opportunities through sustainable bison ranching.

“Tribes have been the original stewards of this land for thousands of years,” Thompson said in a 2024 interview. “Our goal isn’t just to bring bison back—it’s to restore the cultural, ecological, and economic relationships that make bison a keystone species for both people and the planet.”

The Bison’s Return: A Symbol of Resilience

The resurgence of bison in the U.S. Is one of the great conservation success stories of the past century. Thanks to the efforts of tribes, conservation groups, and government agencies, the bison population has rebounded to nearly 500,000 animals today. However, only about 30,000 of these are considered “wild” bison, free from cattle hybridization and living in conservation herds. The rest are managed as livestock, primarily for meat production.

Thompson and her colleagues at WWF are working to change that. Through initiatives like the USDA-DOI Joint Bison Initiative, they are advocating for the expansion of tribal bison herds on public and tribal lands. These efforts not only benefit bison but also help restore grasslands, sequester carbon, and provide food security for Native communities.

“Bison are more than just animals—they’re a living bridge between the past and the future,” Thompson has said. “When we bring them back, we’re not just saving a species. We’re reviving a way of life.”

Beyond Bison: A Broader Vision for Tribal Sovereignty

While bison restoration is a cornerstone of Thompson’s work, her vision extends far beyond a single species. At WWF, she leads efforts to strengthen tribal food systems, promote sustainable agriculture, and address the disproportionate impacts of climate change on Indigenous communities. Her team works with tribes to develop climate-resilient farming practices, protect sacred lands, and ensure that federal policies respect tribal sovereignty.

One of her most notable achievements is the USDA’s Food Sovereignty Initiative, which she helped launch during her tenure at the agency. The program provides funding and technical support for tribes to grow traditional crops, raise bison, and distribute food through community-based networks. It’s a model for how government agencies can partner with tribes to address food insecurity while honoring Indigenous traditions.

Recognition and Leadership

Thompson’s contributions to tribal conservation and policy have earned her widespread recognition. She has been named one of the Best Lawyers in America for over a decade and was awarded a Bush Fellowship to focus on tribal sustainability. She has also served as the first female president of both the South Dakota Indian Country Bar Association and the National Native American Bar Association, breaking barriers in a field historically dominated by men.

In addition to her professional work, Thompson is a sought-after speaker and lecturer, addressing audiences on topics ranging from tribal economic development to federal Indian law. She frequently collaborates with academic institutions, including Harvard and the University of South Dakota, to mentor the next generation of Indigenous leaders.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Tribal Conservation

As climate change, habitat loss, and political challenges threaten progress, Thompson remains optimistic about the future of tribal conservation. She points to the growing movement of Indigenous-led conservation as a reason for hope. “Tribes are not just stakeholders in conservation—they are the original experts,” she said. “When we center Indigenous knowledge and sovereignty, we create solutions that work for everyone.”

For Thompson, the work is far from over. Whether she’s advocating for policy changes in Washington, D.C., or working with ranchers on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation, her mission remains the same: to ensure that bison—and the tribes who depend on them—thrive for generations to come.

Key Takeaways

• Family Legacy: Heather Dawn Thompson is a direct descendant of Mary Good Elk Woman and Frederick Dupree, who helped save the last wild bison from extinction in the 1800s.
• Career Highlights: She has served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney, Director of Government Affairs for the National Congress of American Indians, and is now Vice President of Native Nations Food Systems & Conservation at the World Wildlife Fund.
• Policy Impact: Thompson played a key role in developing the USDA Food Sovereignty Initiative and the Joint Secretarial Order on Tribal Co-Stewardship, which promote collaborative land management between tribes and federal agencies.
• Bison Restoration: Through her work at WWF, she has helped expand tribal bison herds, restore grasslands, and create economic opportunities for Native communities.
• Broader Vision: Her efforts extend to strengthening tribal food systems, addressing climate change, and advocating for tribal sovereignty in federal policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Heather Dawn Thompson’s role at the World Wildlife Fund?

Thompson serves as the Vice President of Native Nations Food Systems & Conservation at WWF. In this role, she leads initiatives that support tribal conservation, bison restoration, and sustainable food systems, with a focus on integrating Indigenous knowledge into modern conservation practices.

How did Thompson’s family contribute to bison conservation?

Thompson is a descendant of Mary Good Elk Woman and Frederick Dupree, who were among the few families that protected the last remaining wild bison in the late 1800s. Their efforts were critical in preventing the species’ extinction and laid the groundwork for its eventual recovery.

What are some of the key policies Thompson has influenced?

Thompson has been instrumental in shaping several federal policies, including the USDA Food Sovereignty Initiative, the Joint Secretarial Order on Tribal Co-Stewardship, and the USDA-DOI Joint Bison Initiative. These policies promote tribal authority over natural resources and collaborative management of federal lands.

Why is bison restoration important for Native communities?

Bison are central to the cultural, spiritual, and economic well-being of many Native tribes. Restoring bison herds helps revive traditional food systems, supports sustainable agriculture, and strengthens tribal sovereignty. Ecologically, bison play a key role in maintaining healthy grasslands, which sequester carbon and support biodiversity.

What challenges does tribal conservation face today?

Tribal conservation efforts face several challenges, including climate change, habitat loss, and political barriers to tribal sovereignty. Many tribes lack adequate funding and resources to fully implement conservation programs. Thompson and her colleagues at WWF are working to address these challenges through policy advocacy, partnerships, and community-led initiatives.

Conclusion

Heather Dawn Thompson’s life and career are a testament to the power of Indigenous leadership in conservation. From her family’s historic role in saving the bison to her current work at the World Wildlife Fund, she has spent decades bridging the gap between traditional knowledge and modern policy. Her efforts have not only helped restore bison herds but have also strengthened tribal sovereignty, food security, and environmental resilience.

As the world grapples with the dual crises of climate change and biodiversity loss, Thompson’s work offers a blueprint for how Indigenous communities can lead the way in creating sustainable solutions. By centering tribal voices and knowledge, she is helping to ensure that both people and the planet thrive for generations to come.