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At one time, not that long
ago, 60 million buffalo roamed free and in harmony with nature across
America. The Native American on the western plains relied on “Tatanka” for
all aspects of their lives. Knowing this, the U.S. Government ordered all
the buffalo to be eliminated during the Indian Wars of the 1800’s. Outside
of a few in the mountains around Yellowstone Park and some in captivity,
they nearly succeeded. With the passing of the buffalo, life on every level
of the ecosystem and the lives of the Native People and all people would
change forever. Sacred Ground International is
committed to the restoration and education of all that they represent and
contribute. Though the Happy Heart Ranch is the steward, they belong to us
all. (see Journey story)
With the assistance of experts
in soil and grass conservation we are restoring our 3000 acres to their
original grass and wildlife habitat. Fencing is a constant as we expand the
grazing capacity in the mountain pastures. Our growing herd of 100+ thrives
with minimal management and a lot of love and attention. Listening and
watching what they are communicating is a must….(see BUFFALO STORIES)
NATIVE PERSPECTIVE
 Buffalo
symbolize abundance…they gave ‘all’ to the people what the people needed.
They did so with love, respect and complete conscious giving and they did so
because that is why they are here, that is what they were born to do. They
had such dominion over the plains and the earth upon which they lived.
Completely self sustaining and completely able to provide for themselves and
others…a symbol of all that we are. We have dominion over the earth that we
walk.
 We have the ability to provide for all of our needs physically,
spiritually and emotionally, that which can be given to ourselves at any
time. The buffalo lives within us and gives us the ability to walk in the
dominion of our own abilities.
THE BUFFALO GIVE
AWAY
As there
are many tribes and organizations committed to ‘bringing back the buffalo’
we have united with this mission. Diabetes has been called the ’Plague of
the Native American People.’ Due to the commodity based diet many are
suffering. Buffalo meat is higher in protein and lower in fat than beef and
other meats. It provides enzymes that compliment the human digestion. In
2003 we joined the campaign to provide buffalo meat to elders, the disabled
and for sacred gatherings and ceremonies such as the Sun Dance. The
harvesting is done in a traditional and sacred manner. ( see The Sacred
Hunt) The robes and skulls are then given to spiritual leaders to share with
the people. (see The First International Sundance). In the Native way it is
not appropriate to purchase such sacred items, they must be passed on or
given to them. These robes and skulls are very precious to them and we are
often graced with their tears of gratitude. The restorative ‘ripple effect’
impacts so deeply, physically, culturally, spiritually and emotionally.
To
maintain our sustainability we rely on contributions to meet the cost of
animals and the preparation of the robes and skulls. There are various
opportunities to participate.
WAYS TO ASSIST AND PARTICIPATE
(We are
a 501 C (3), all donations of monies, time, materials etc. are tax
deductible)
- Purchase a buffalo to be
donated ($900.00)
- Sponsor the processing
and travel for robes ($850.00), or skulls ($250.00)
- Adopt a buffalo…monthly
assistance ($40.00)
-
 FENCING,
FENCING, FENCING!!! – This is our greatest request at this time. The
cost of steel is rising ($5.00 a post) and we have 3 to 5 miles to
complete this summer!
- CORRALS – We are sorting
and ‘giving away’ several young animals for starter herds to neighboring
tribal leaders. (see
The Heyteyneytah
Project)
- Our love and gratitude
for your participation
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