“As Lipan Apache descendent, mother, sister, and nature loving woman, I have a vision to culturally revive and RECONNECT the relationship between Texas Tribes. Through our regenerative buffalo herd, data & food sovereignty initiatives, DNA project, community events, and programs; we would like to leave our descendants & descendants of all Texas Tribes, a legacy of health and happiness, now and for the future.”
Lucille Contreras, CEO and Founder of Texas Tribal Buffalo Project.
The American Iyanee'/Bison that once ruled the southern Texas plains, reached near extinction near the end of the 19th century. Traditionally the Iyanne were not only a source of food, shelter, clothing, medicine, tools and other living essentials but also through natural behavior improve soil health, promote bio diversity and plant growth. Recently, Bison have experienced a comeback, as Lipan Apache women we are interested in providing a resurgence of a native life that promotes health and vitality to the land and people, providing space where Tribal people living on indigenous Texas Tribal lands, can RECONNECT with our Buffalo relatives and live in balance with nature.
What is a Regenerative Herd?
A regenerative buffalo herd is a group of buffalo, raised in a way that mimics natural movement and behaviors, helping to heal the land grazed on. By roaming, the herd’s graze patterns naturally regenerate the soil, create healthier ecosystems, and encourage diversity of plant growth. We learn this from the past harmonic relationships our buffalo relatives had with the environment, by bringing back our native agriculture practices, we are creating a better future for all.
Why Data Sovereignty?
In our mission to reconnect Texas Tribal communities with each other and the buffalo, we understand that so much of our story isn’t told. The State of Texas tells us there are no Native/American Indian/Native American tribal people left in Texas outside of the federally recognized tribes. We know that isn’t accurate. Until you have the data and can document your own story, then someone else is writing your history from their perspective. This is where our Data Sovereignty efforts come into the picture. Through surveys, research, community and academic partnerships, the Texas Tribal Buffalo Project is demonstrating through our traditions and science, the story of Texas’ tribal communities.
This will aid our ability to strategically formulate our programs and approach while offering the public insights into who we are as Texas’ tribal communities and lineal descendants. This way our story can be told from our perspective. We don’t have to hide like our grandparents did. Instead now we teach our children about the buffalo, their languages and their place on these lands since and for eternity.
Harvesting Hope:
Food sovereignty is a concept that refers to the right of people to control their own food systems, including the production, distribution, and consumption of food. With an emphasis on local, community-based food production and management, as well as culturally appropriate and sustainable agricultural practices. Food sovereignty advocates for the rights of small-scale farmers, indigenous peoples, and communities to determine their own food policies and practices, rather than being dependent on large corporations or external sources for food production and distribution. It also encompasses broader social, economic, and environmental concerns related to food, such as access to land, water, and resources, as well as social justice issues surrounding food production and distribution. Overall, food sovereignty is a way to empower communities to create resilient and sustainable food systems that meet their own needs while respecting cultural diversity and environmental integrity.
Texas Tribal Buffalo Project food sovereignty initiatives include partnerships with local school districts, indigenous community food banks and our own Meat for Mamas program to provide Bison Meat for our relatives.
Nurturing Food Cultivation for a Viable Future.
Get Involved
Discover the vibrant culture and traditions of the native community by joining us at an indigenous event. If you're passionate about preserving heritage or eager to lend a helping hand, volunteering or participating offers a unique opportunity to connect, learn, and make a meaningful impact. Come be a part of our community, and experience the richness of indigenous culture firsthand.
Changing the world is possible.
Our mission is to honor our ancestors & the ancestors of our buffalo relatives by:
1. Practicing good stewardship of the earth’s natural resources in raising bison.
2. Promoting the well-being of our tribe and other surrounding tribes of Texas.
3. Providing all peoples a chance to interact with and understand the buffalo.
4. Offer better health alternatives through the sale of quality bison meat.
5. Preserve the history and culture of native Texas.
6. Educate our community about soil health and regenerative practices.
Let’s meet up at the ranch.
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