Buffalo Return Celebrated at Texas Tribal Buffalo Project’s First Open House in Floresville
Written and photographed by Julysa Sosa for TTBP
On Saturday, June 24, 2025, the Texas Tribal Buffalo Project (TTBP) opened its gates for the first-ever Open House Ranch Day at its newly acquired 150-acre property in Floresville, Texas.
By 10 a.m., visitors were already streaming in under a sky that shifted between soft clouds and piercing sun. The new TTBP sign stood tall at the entrance, greeting attendees as they crossed into the land. The sun prickled the skin, but a steady breeze offered quick relief.
There was an electric energy to the day, with the anticipation of exploring the ranch, checking in on the herd, and learning something new.
It was a gathering of families, supporters, volunteers, and kin from various cultural backgrounds. Staff from the Texas Tribal Buffalo Project led hayrides through the ranch, sharing insights into the land's healing properties, the importance of relationship-based food systems, and regenerative agriculture practices. The atmosphere was one of curiosity and discovery.
Near midday, the scent of grilled Bison drifted through the air. Juanita Iyotte of Straight From The Rez Indian Tacos known for her Indian Tacos, prepared a special version of her signature dish. For this event, she replaced her usual beef with TTBP ground Bison, seasoned with jalapeño and cheese. The aroma was irresistible. Soon, a long line formed near the cooking station, where the smell of hot frybread and savory meat created a feast for the senses.
At the edge of the pasture, a group of onlookers gathered quietly near the holding corral. Inside, part of the bison herd grazed calmly. Among them was something no one could ignore: a new calf, born just days earlier. This was the first bison calf born on these ancestral homelands in more than a century. Its rust-colored fur and unsteady steps drew a hush over the crowd. The baby, often called a “red dog,” nursed while its mother kept a watchful eye.
Nearby, guest print artist Viktor of Mi Barrio 214 set up under a shaded tipi. Throughout the event, Viktor screenprinted original artwork onto shirts, bandanas, and whatever items attendees brought. The 2025 design, created by visual artist Julysa Sosa, featured an Iyane’e—Buffalo relative—on the Southern Plains, framed by four symbolic icons representing the work of the Texas Tribal Buffalo Project: work ethic, care for water, care for soil, and cultural restoration through memory weaving.
As the afternoon went on, Founder and CEO Lucille Contreras stood to speak. She didn’t have a script, but her message was clear and deeply felt.
Lucille shared her journey from working in IT to becoming a Bison rancher. She discussed why this work is essential, not just for the land, but also for the health of Native communities. She reminded the crowd that everyone deserves access to real, nutritious food. In many tribal communities, access is limited. Diabetes and other chronic illnesses are widespread.
In fact, American Indian and Alaska Native adults are almost three times more likely to have type 2 diabetes than white adults, according to the CDC (2024).
For Lucille, that statistic is more than data. It’s part of why she does this work. Healing the land, she said, is connected to healing our bodies. And it starts with bringing the Buffalo home.
To close the day, a prayer was delivered to the attendees present, and the TTBP team lined up to greet each one with eye contact, handshakes, and words of gratitude. This was a deliberate act of community recognition, a way to solidify all that had happened.
As the last car left the ranch and the sky darkened, a gust of wind swept across the land. It looked like rain might be on its way, but the clouds held steady.
The women of TTBP stood near the corral, silent and watchful. This moment had been years in the making.
Then, quietly, the gate opened.
At first, the Iyane’e hesitated. One hoof, then another. They moved slowly, cautiously, their instincts strong. And then, without warning, the new mother took off. Her calf followed, legs unsure but fast. Together, they ran across the open field of their reclaimed home.
Some of the women cried. Others stood still, watching.
The herd ran free. The land received them back home. And something shifted, just slightly, in the world.
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