Return of an Ancient Condor

A Story of Restoration, Responsibility, and Tribal Leadership

Today we are honored to share the release of Return of an Ancient Condor — a powerful new film highlighting the work of the Nez Perce Tribe in restoring this sacred relative back to the landscape.

For Indigenous peoples, the condor is not just a species — it is an ancient being, a messenger, a part of Creation. Its return represents healing: healing of the land, the waters, the skies, and our responsibilities to one another.

This film beautifully captures the collaboration between the Nez Perce Tribe and the Yurok Tribe as we work to restore condors to their ancestral homelands. It reflects what Tribal-led conservation looks like — grounded in science, guided by culture, and rooted in sovereignty.

We extend our appreciation to the partners who walked alongside this effort and respected the story every step of the way. This work is possible because of strong Tribal leadership, intertribal unity, and community support.

The return of the condor is not just a wildlife success story.
It is a story of resilience.
It is a story of responsibility.
It is a story of coming home.

Great job to our Wildlife Division and our Cultural Resources Program. You are doing such important work for your Tribe and for your people.