Buffalo Relatives as Our Teachers
At Knife Chief Buffalo Nation Society, we believe that restoring a respectful and spiritual relationship with the pte oyate, buffalo nation, is not just having a herd in our care, but praying and honoring them as relatives.
Wačékiya
(to pray)
Each activity, event, and meeting started at KCBNS starts and ends with prayer helping us stay grounded and our work guided. We make annual offerings for our pasture to ensure the safety of our herd.
Respectful Relationship & Spiritual Connection
Prayer has guided and protected our herd, their pasture, and our work. Honor helps us take care of our herd as relatives rather than livestock. Each buffalo harvest is given offerings, prayers, and spiritual guidance.
Wóyuonihaŋ
(honor)
We honor our herd by treating them as relatives. We are careful when harvesting a buffalo because every buffalo's life matters and each harvest brings teachings, experiences, and reconnection to Lakota lifeways.