Carving Out Connection: Chris’s Work with TTBP
Knife maker, wildlife specialist, and devoted father Chris opens up about his roots, his work with the Texas Tribal Buffalo Project, and the ways he shows up for community.
This month, we sat down with Chris, a local knife maker and former dog trainer, as he reflects on his journey connecting with his Indigenous heritage and giving back through volunteer work with the Texas Tribal Buffalo Project. Known for bringing his skills, energy, and heart to every task, from the buffalo harvest to hands-on projects around the ranch, Chris has quietly made a lasting impact on the community.
From running through his grandfather’s land as a child to teaching his own children about heritage and resilience, Chris shares how his upbringing and family shaped his values. In this conversation, we talk land, legacy, heritage, and what it means to show up fully for your community.
Q: Let’s start at the beginning. For people meeting you for the first time, who is Chris in your own words?
A: My name is Chris. I’m a local knife maker researching my Indigenous background.
Q: Who or what has shaped who you are today?
A: My maternal grandparents shaped me by teaching the value of hard work and honesty. My mother, who endured all the trouble I caused, still taught me resilience.
Q: What is your relationship to the Land and to the Buffalo?
A: Growing up, I was almost never inside. I was running through the land my grandpa owned or exploring the fields and pastures behind the subdivision where I lived. I feel connected to the buffalo through our shared bond with nature, freedom, and caring for our families.
Q: Where do you feel most rooted right now — place, people, or practice?
A: Right now, I’m rooted in my children. I want to teach them about the heritage I didn’t get to learn at their age. They ground me after a hard day’s work. Talking to them and hugging them reminds me why I do what I do.
Q: What is something people might be surprised to learn about you?
A: I’m a former dog trainer, and professionally I’m a wildlife control specialist. I also make knives.
Q: What called you to be part of this work or the TTBP community?
A: The friendliness of Lucille. When I met her at the Annual Austin Powwow in 2022, I knew the work she was doing was important. I’m honored to help out from time to time.
Q: What do you gain emotionally, spiritually, or personally by being here?
A: Emotionally, it brings me joy and satisfaction to see people from all walks of life come together, regardless of tribal background, to learn about the Iyanee and Traditional Ecological Knowledge (T.E.K.). Personally, I feel surrounded by family every time I visit the ranch, whether as a volunteer or guest.
Q: What is your favorite moment or memory while volunteering with us?
A: The Buffalo harvest this past year. Talking with Jose, Charles, and Lucille… seeing my son open up and run around like kids are meant to… hearing songs at night about our family histories. It all stayed with me.
Q: What is something you hope to keep learning or growing into?
A: I hope to grow into the man my children deserve and to learn more about my Chihende Apache and Texas Yaqui heritage.
Q: What would your ideal community feel like?
A: A place where people help each other out and are not afraid to share and learn from one another.
Q: What do you wish more people understood about showing up for community?
A: It is not a one-and-done thing. It takes effort. We are here for one another even on our bad days.
Q: Is there anything else you would like to share?
A: I want to give a shout-out to my TTBP family. Thank you, Lucille, for giving me the opportunity to volunteer and be part of this community. Thank you, Denise, Jacie, Jose, Sara, and Charles, for being my friends.
Chris’s dedication shows how much heart and history can be shared when someone gives their time to community. His story reminds us that every volunteer shapes the work we do and the connections we build. If you would like to walk alongside us in caring for the land, honoring the buffalo, and supporting one another, you can volunteer by submitting the form here.