The echo of the bison (Encore)
Summary
Economist Don Fair uses 19th-century height data to reveal how the near-extinction of bison devastated Native American economies. The slaughter, driven by hide demand and military action, caused severe malnutrition and long-term economic decline for bison-reliant tribes. Today, these nations still face income levels at least 25% lower than other Indigenous groups. The episode features Blackfeet rancher Irvin Carlson, who is working to restore bison herds to help heal this historical trauma.
Topics discussed
Intro: Indigenous Peoples Day and bison destruction
Irvin Carlson's childhood on the Blackfeet Reservation
Sponsor messages
Research using height data to measure economic well-being
The cultural and economic importance of bison
Height advantage of bison-hunting nations
The hide rush and commercial slaughter of bison
Military involvement and intentional destruction
Consequences: starvation, mortality, and height loss
Failed recovery efforts and persistent economic gap
The magnitude of the disaster revealed by data
Long-term economic impacts and historical path dependence
Role of banking access in economic recovery
Modern efforts to restore bison on the Blackfeet Reservation
Credits and production team
Sponsor message: Allianz Travel Insurance
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