Lily Gladstone reflects on inspiration behind latest project

Lily Gladstone has been opening up about the deeper meaning behind her latest project, and why its story runs straight through the heart of her heritage.

In a new conversation with PEOPLE Magazine, the Oscar-nominated actress discussed the cultural significance of the buffalo within Blackfeet tradition as explored in the new documentary Bring Them Home. 

The film, which took seven years to complete, features Gladstone not only as its narrator but also as an executive producer.

“It's kind of hard to pinpoint an exact moment,” Gladstone shared when asked about the first time she became aware of the animal’s importance. 

She explained that the recognition is not something taught so much as lived.

“Because it's one of those things you're just raised with, an absolute knowledge and awareness that they're central. They're like the heartbeat of who you are as a people.”

After years of advocacy and cultural education, a historic milestone finally arrived in 2023 when 49 buffalo were released at the base of Chief Mountain, which serves a sacred landmark for the Blackfeet Nation near Glacier National Park in Montana.

That powerful homecoming is captured in the documentary's finale and stands out as one of Gladstone's most cherished moments in the film.

“The beautiful footage of seeing this herd just almost beeline it, like they knew exactly where to go when they hit the land,” she said.

She added that the moment echoes a shared belief across Blackfeet communities, “If you can see the Ninastako — if you can see Chief Mountain — then you’re home.”

Reflecting on the magnitude of the event, Gladstone admitted she never imagined she would witness such a restoration in her lifetime. 

“I never thought I would see anything like that… I thought I'd be an old, old woman before anything like that would be possible.”