Ep 9. Protection on the Prairie

Protection on the Prairie is the ninth episode of the twelfth season of A Taste of History. This episode takes us back to the 19th century frontier of the United States, where the booming buffalo industry was taking place. Chef Walter Staib explores the important role that the bison played in the lives of indigenous people and how it shaped American history.

Chef Staib travels to Montana to meet members of the Blackfeet Nation, who have been living near Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks for thousands of years. They share their cultural culinary practices, including how they hunted and prepared buffalo meat. Chef Staib learns how to cook traditional Blackfeet dishes like pemmican and bison tongue soup.

He also visits the National Bison Range, where he learns about the efforts to preserve the bison population. The American buffalo were nearly extinct in the 19th century due to over-hunting and the destruction of their natural habitat. Today, the National Bison Range is a protected area where the bison can roam freely.

Throughout the episode, Chef Staib highlights the importance of the bison in the history of the United States. The bison provided food, clothing, and shelter for indigenous people, and it was also an important resource for the early settlers who moved west. In addition to its practical uses, the bison also became a symbol of American strength and independence.

To honor the bison and its impact on American history, Chef Staib prepares a classic buffalo roast. He demonstrates the preparation process, from marinating the meat to roasting it over an open fire. The buffalo roast was a popular dish for early pioneers and is still enjoyed today as a tribute to the iconic animal.

Overall, Protection on the Prairie is an engaging episode that highlights the important role that the bison played in American history. Chef Staib's visit to Montana offers a unique perspective on the cultural and culinary significance of the bison, and viewers are sure to leave the episode with a newfound appreciation for this iconic animal.