The Sacred
Way Of The Hunt,
Hunter And Hunted
Our harvest
process reflects my Lakota heritage and what we hold as a
very respectful and honoring way to complete the buffalo's
journey here. The "hunt" takes place at home, on their
beloved mountain surrounded by their family.
The day
before, we go to the herd and let them know the harvest time
has begun and we will return in the morning. We ask that
those who are ready, to set themselves apart from the herd.
That night
there is a pipe ceremony and food offerings to open the
season. Prayers of gratitude and honoring are offered.
Everyone is cleansed with sage and offers their prayers
through the smoke of the pipe. It is a solemn time as we
know we are fulfilling a sacred mission. A very sacred and
special friend is leaving to journey on and return in the
renewal of Spring as new life.
At dawn the
following morning everyone is cleansed with sage again. All
the equipment, guns, bullets and knives are also cleansed
and blessed with sage. As the hunters depart for the
mountain the sacred pipe is lit again in prayer and held
open until the message can be heard that the hunt is
complete.
In the field,
the animals clearly set themselves apart. The selected
"hunter" is a marksman and only one shot is required. The
animal quietly relaxes to the ground.
 The
family is allowed to surround the animal and say their
farewells. This is magnificent and heart touching to
witness. The buffalo have told me that as the bullet opens
the door for the spirit to soar, all of heaven and the
ancestors begin to sing in celebration. As the buffalo
spirit departs it thanks us for honoring and accepting the
gift of their body they leave behind. Tobacco is offered,
prayers of gratitude are said. The animal is dressed on
sight. The remains are left to "give back" to the earth and
the wildlife. All traces are usually consumed within twenty
four hours.
The animal is
carried off the mountain and taken directly to the processor
for aging. The hides and skulls are delivered for finishing
and tanning. All of the by products are being used including
the bones.
Commercially,
the hides, bones and skulls are thrown away! Most of our
skulls and robes are given to spiritual leaders and offered
for ceremonial purposes such as the Sundance. All proceeds
go toward our ability to sustain and follow our ancestor's
wisdom of using all of the gifts they offer us, including
the wisdom to do so.
Why Do We Do
This?
Because the buffalo have requested it. Thirteen years ago, I
stood humbled and in awe as the first buffalo were delivered
into a small pasture near my house by the donor. I
whispered, “Why have you come? What are you doing here?”
They responded, “We are the Ancient Ones who have returned
for our people. All people. Once we filled their bellies,
sheltered their bodies and taught their Spirits…We have
returned.” Now I understood why I had been given the spirit
name of ‘Buffalo Woman.’
When you
consume the meat or surround yourselves with the gifts of
their bodies, you are taking on the DNA imprint of their
genetic codes and qualities of generosity, courage, wisdom,
self sustaining, great nobility and respect. This is the
fulfillment of their purpose, their gift to us. This is
their teaching that I pass to you. Be grateful to them and
to yourselves for being ready to step up. Enjoy, share and
acknowledge the magnificence of you reflecting into your
world. Aho! (Thank you)
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