Join Us for the Annual Buffalo Harvest

Date: March 1, 2025

Time: 9 AM

Location: Floresville, Texas

A Historic Harvest: A Special Gathering for the Fourth Annual Buffalo Harvest

This year marks the third annual Southern Plains Buffalo Harvest hosted by the Texas Tribal Buffalo Project. 2025 is a special year, as we celebrate the reclamation of 150 acres of ancestral homeland in Floresville, Texas—land with deep significance to the Lipan Apache, Coahuiltecano, Carrizo Comecrudo, and Southern Plains Buffalo peoples. This harvest is not just a continuation of tradition, but a moment of healing, sovereignty, and reconnection to the land that our ancestors once roamed.

This harvest is the beginning of a new chapter in the stewardship of the land, as we reclaim it for future generations and continue the work our ancestors began.

Embrace Tradition

Take part in a buffalo harvest ceremony that blends tradition with community, where you’ll help honor the buffalo and learn from ancestral food practices of the Lipan Apache.

Learn & Participate

Join us in an immersive cultural experience where you’ll not only witness but participate in ancestral food practices. Learn traditional butchering techniques, engage in outdoor games, listen to storytelling, engage in crucial conversations and enjoy a community meal.

Make Connections

Visit our Nonprofit Village, a space where you can network, meet organizations, access valuable resources, and learn about initiatives supporting Indigenous communities.

Meet our Guest Panelists

As part of this special gathering, we are proud to host Tipi Talks, an exclusive space by and for Indigenous women to share stories, knowledge, and vision for the future.

  • TTBP FOUNDER & CEO

    Lucille is the CEO and founder of the Texas Tribal Buffalo Project, an organization dedicated to buffalo conservation, regenerative agriculture, and reconnecting Texas lineal descendants to their heritage. As a trailblazer in the field, Lucille leads the only known women-led bison ranching operation in Texas and is committed to preserving Indigenous foodways and community sovereignty.

    A graduate of the University of Colorado, Boulder with an Arts Degree, Lucille brings a unique blend of academic and artistic insight and hands-on experience to her work. She is also a James Beard Fellow, a professional development program for emerging food suppliers. The program helps fellows gain skills and visibility. In addition to her agricultural expertise, Lucille is self-taught in IT, a skill that has allowed her to enhance the organization's operations and outreach.

    A proud Lipan Apache and Mexica descendant, Lucille is also an Aztec dancer with Grupo Tlaloc, an aztec dance group based in Denver, Colorado, further reflecting her dedication to preserving and honoring Indigenous traditions.

    Under her leadership, the Texas Tribal Buffalo Project has developed innovative programs such as "Meat for Mamas," which provides nutrient-rich bison meat to expecting mothers, ensuring baby and mama stay healthy. The organization is also proud to be the only bison producer that accepts EBT, ensuring access to healthy, traditional food while shipping bison products across Turtle Island.

    Lucille's visionary approach continues to shape the future of Indigenous-led agriculture, fostering sustainability and community empowerment through every initiative.

  • TTBP RANCH MANAGER

    Denise Lozano (she/her/ella) is the passionate and dedicated Ranch Manager at the Texas Tribal Buffalo Project, where she plays a vital role in the conservation and stewardship of buffalo. Before joining the project, she ran her own successful business, Lozano Handywoman Services, in San Antonio, Texas, refining her problem-solving skills and craftsmanship.


    With a background as a massage therapist, Denise brings a unique understanding of hands-on care—not just for people, but now for the majestic buffalo she tends to daily. As an emerging expert in bison care, she is quickly becoming a respected figure in the field, guided by her deep reverence for these sacred animals. Many of her handywoman skills are self-taught, a 

    testament to her determination, ingenuity, and adaptability.


    Denise is of Lipan Apache descent, which deeply connects her work to the land and the buffalo. Her heritage informs her approach, blending traditional knowledge with modern conservation techniques to honor the resilience of both the animals and the people she serves. Whether she’s repairing ranch infrastructure, caring for the herd, or sharing her wisdom, Denise’s unwavering dedication and vibrant energy shine through in all she does.

    Denise Lozano (she/her/ella) is the passionate and dedicated Ranch Manager at the Texas Tribal Buffalo Project, where she plays a vital role in the conservation and stewardship of buffalo. Before joining the project, she ran her own successful business, Lozano Handywoman Services, in San Antonio, Texas, refining her problem-solving skills and craftsmanship.


    With a background as a massage therapist, Denise brings a unique understanding of hands-on care—not just for people, but now for the majestic buffalo she tends to daily. As an emerging expert in bison care, she is quickly becoming a respected figure in the field, guided by her deep reverence for these sacred animals. Many of her handywoman skills are self-taught, a 

    testament to her determination, ingenuity, and adaptability.


    Denise is of Lipan Apache descent, which deeply connects her work to the land and the buffalo. Her heritage informs her approach, blending traditional knowledge with modern conservation techniques to honor the resilience of both the animals and the people she serves. Whether she’s repairing ranch infrastructure, caring for the herd, or sharing her wisdom, Denise’s unwavering dedication and vibrant energy shine through in all she does.

  • TTBP TXIndigiDNA PROJECT LEAD

    Dr. Vivian Delgado (Yoeme/Tiwa-Tewa) is a professor dedicated to Indigenous Studies. She played a key role in creating a four-year Indigenous Studies degree at Bemidji State University in Bemidji, Minnesota, focusing on decolonization, social justice awareness, and transformative processes.

    Currently, she works primarily as a researcher and consultant for the Texas Tribal Buffalo Project and several treaty councils. Dr. Delgado leads the TXIndigiDNA project, focusing on research, cultural preservation of the Lipan Apache, and community outreach initiatives.

  • TTBP FUNDRAISING AND DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR

    Seed-Keeper, Sobadora/Huesera

    Born in unceded Coahuiltecan, Lipan Apache, and Estok G’na territories—known as Yanawana (San Antonio, TX)—Alexas is a Two-Spirit Guaní (Taino), Coahuiltecan, Guachichil, and Black woman. She shares, “I have cultivated a deeper relationship with seeds, birthwork, health, and the land through my culture. I believe that through a harmonious relationship with nature, we can begin to restore equilibrium, as individuals and as a human collective.”

    Alexas is a land steward, birthworker, herbalist, seed-keeper, farmer, and food sovereignty advocate. She is the director and co-founder of the Traditional Center for Indigenous Knowledge and Healing and the Indigenous Land Conservation Council, as well as the owner of f l x s: healing-informed support services. She is deeply committed to the preservation and restoration of Indigenous life-ways, carrying forward teachings received through Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge practices and mentorship.

    Her life work is devoted to the preservation and restoration of Indigenous life-ways.

    www.tcikh.org; flxstxs.com

  • CHEF & SANA ROOTS CO-FOUNDER

    Chef Reb Mari (she/they) is a Yanaguana-based, Two – Spirit Tejana with a passion for ancestral healing through food, art, and activism. Reb possesses an invigorating spirit of initiative that is deeply interwoven in cultura and indigenous roots.

    They are the chef and owner of the highly acclaimed and nationally recognized La Botanica SA. In addition, a danzate with Danza Coyolxauhqui, a member of The Ballet Folklorico en Azltan and a CEO of Sana Roots Co.

    Reb is a changemaker and trendsetter, always centering healing in their work.

    rebmari.com | sanarootsco.org/

  • TTBP EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

    Izel Lopez has been with the Texas Tribal Buffalo Project (TTBP) since 2021. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Native American Studies from the University of the Incarnate Word.

    An enrolled member of the Tap-Pilam Coahuiltecan Nation, Izel lives in Atascosa, Texas, with her husband and three children. Together, they raise Wagyu/Angus cattle, pigs, and chickens, practicing sustainable agriculture. Their goal is to instill in their children the importance of a healthy food system while demonstrating how traditional practices can be integrated to sustain and enhance it for future generations.

Event Agenda

9:00 AM – Doors Open to All

10:00 AM – Opening Blessing & Prayers

10:30 AM – Harvest Begins

11:00 AM – Processing Begins + Interactive Cultural Activities Begin

12:00 PM – Tipi Talks with Indigenous Women

2:00 PM – Interactive Cultural Activities Continue

4:00 PM – Community Gathering Meal

5:00 PM – Interactive Cultural Activities Continue

9:00 PM – Event Close and Farewell

Event Registration

Each adult must fill out their own registration form, even if you are attending as part of a group or family. This helps us keep track of attendance and ensure we can accommodate everyone. Children will be accounted for within the parent or guardian’s registration.

Please note, registration will close once we reach maximum capacity, and space is limited. Don’t wait—secure your spot today!

For the comfort and safety of all, pets are not permitted at the event

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Purchase Frozen Bison Meat at the Event

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Cash, credit, and EBT accepted

• Purchase Frozen Bison Meat at the Event • Cash, credit, and EBT accepted

 FAQs

  • Each adult in your group must fill out their own registration form. If you’re attending with family or friends, please ensure each person is individually registered to secure your spot.

  • Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the ranch during the event. This ensures the safety of everyone and the animals we work with.

  • A community meal will be served at 4:00 PM for all registered attendees. If you’re camping, please bring enough food and supplies to last for the duration of your stay, as only one meal is provided during the event.

  • Yes, frozen bison meat will be available for purchase during the event. It’s a great opportunity to take home a piece of the harvest!

  • We accept cash, credit, and EBT for any purchases made during the event, including bison meat.

  • Yes! You can camp the night before and the night of the event. Please RSVP for camping space, as space is limited. Bring your camping gear and supplies for a comfortable stay.

  • Yes, children are welcome! They will be accounted for in the parent’s registration, so no need for a separate form. Just be sure to include them in your RSVP when registering yourself.

  • Unfortunately, we do not offer general day-of registration. However, a limited number of door registrations will be available for our elders. We strongly encourage you to register in advance to secure your spot.

  • We want to ensure that all of our relatives feel welcome and comfortable. If you have any mobility or special access needs, please let us know in advance so we can make the necessary accommodations to support you during the event.

  • Yes, absolutely! We welcome anyone who’s interested in learning, connecting, and supporting the work we do. Just come with respect, an open mind, and a willingness to listen and grow.

Help Us Reclaim Our Ancestral Homeland

Your donation will directly support this important work—ensuring the land is protected, nourished, and passed down to future generations. As we work to repay The Conservation Fund and secure this land for good, we invite you to be part of this historic reclamation.