A couple of weeks ago, traditional Native American Buffalo Harvests took place on Wild Idea Buffalo Company producers ranches.
On the Cheyenne River Ranch, Wambli Ska Okolakiciye, a Lakota organization that teaches youth the importance of their culture as a solution to bring forward the sources of strength and resiliency to address the changes they face, came out to harvest a buffalo in their traditional way.
Forty-five youth were in attendance, along with elders and spiritual leaders. Prayers were offered, songs were sung and the native drum filled the morning sky.
Chris White Eagle, our plant manager and WSO leader, along with other Wild Idea employees and Native elders, lead the way in breaking down the carcass. It was a joyful time, with lots of laughter and thanksgiving.
In Montana on the Diamond 4 D Bison Ranch, manager Chris Bechtold worked with the Director of Indian Education of the Great Falls Public Schools to experience the same.
The director spoke to the students about the land, the history of the Black Feet people, and the importance of the buffalo before the harvest began.
The education continued as the carcass was being broken down, leaving no part unused.
It was a wonderful experience and day for all. We are honored to be a part of our area Native American communities and to work along side them, learning and growing, and building bridges together through the American Bison. Thank you, Pilamaya, Nitsíniiyi'taki.
19 comments
It’s taken 150 years, but thanks to folks like you O’briens I can grow old knowing the bison will be returned and the indigenous peoples will rally to the wisdom of sage elders en masse while learning regenerative truths for re-greening the land and restoring our hope to be fully reunited with the first nations of this continent. Educated Indians of the 21st century—now that’s what I’m talkin’ about.
You guys make me so proud to be a customer!
Your reverence for- and support of- Native Americans, their past history and their present culture- makes me so proud to be a frequent Wild Idea customer. ❤️
Thank you for sharing this timely info. It’s such a great example to those of us who live in small towns and cities, how much dedication, love and work goes into building enduring relationships across unfamiliar cultural spaces. Go Wild Idea!!
Thanks for sharing this wisdom. And reverence for Native American Culture and Heritage.
Do good to hear wonderful news about the Indians especially the children attending and enjoying the beautiful piece of Paradise where the Buffalo roam.
Congratulations on another job well done
My career has been spent in the support of our Armed Forces. Ceremony, honor and tradition is a huge part of our military family lifestyle. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this blogpost. Proud of all of you.
So nice to see Josie Merck’s comment and words of inspiration. She’s a great protector of the natural world in the tradition of Dan & Jill and their remarkable family. Thank you all.
Very moved By this community effort and everyone learning from the experience- very great turnout.
Hey, all at the Wild Idea, what A Great Field Ceremony , you all are Awesome 🤩🙏🇺🇸
So wonderful that Wild Idea Buffalo honors Native American tradition, fosters understanding and celebrates the buffalo!
is the under coat of the buffalo hide ever made available to spinners? I would be interested in buying some. The story and its significance would make the yarn so powerful.
This is the Way to a better future working together learning from each other and giving back Beautiful
Thank you for doing the right thing!!!
Thanks for sharing, wopila
Thanks for sharing this meaningful story.