Rooted in Relationship. Led by Matriarchs. Guided by the Buffalo.

The Texas Tribal Buffalo Project, founded by Lucille Contreras, is an Indigenous-led initiative to rematriate land, culture, and kinship between the Lipan Apache, Texas Indigenous Lineal Descendants, and the Southern Plains Bison.

Through the USDA Beginning Farmer and Rancher program, Lucille secured land in her ancestral homeland to establish the Texas Tribal Buffalo Project Ranch. This project not only restores traditional relationships with the Bison but also supports Indigenous food sovereignty, ecological restoration, and cultural revitalization in Texas.

Meet the Team

  • Lucille Contreras

    Founder + CEO

    lucille@texastribalbuffaloproject.org

  • Izel Lopez

    Deputy Director

    izel@texastribalbuffaloproject.org

  • Sarah Mendez

    Executive Assistant

    sarah@texastribalbuffaloproject.org

  • Silia Lopez

    Deputy Director’s Assistant

    silia@texastribalbuffaloproject.org

  • Irene Astran

    Irene Astran

    Grants Manager

    irene@texastribalbuffaloproject.org

  • Alice Cherrier

    Event and Volunteer Coordiantor | Meat for Mamas Program Coordinator 

    alice@texastribalbuffaloproject.org

  • Charles Bush

    Regenerative Agriculture Curriculum Developer charles@texastribalbuffaloproject.org

  • JoseKuauhtli Maestas

    Ranch Team

    josekuauhtli@texastribalbuffaloproject.org

  • Johnette Gonzales

    Operations

    johnette@texastribalbuffaloproject.org

  • Jacqui Haynes

    Workforce Curriculum Manager

    jacqui@texastribalbuffaloproject.org

  • Tommi Ayala

    HR Specialist

    tommi@texastribalbuffaloproject.org

  • Gilbert Perez

    Maintenance & Mechanical Lead

    gilbert@texastribalbuffaloproject.org

  • Layla Salazar

    Social Media

    hello@texastribalbuffaoproject.org

  • Julysa Sosa

    Marketing + Communications

    hello@texastribalbuffaoproject.org

Meet the Board

Current Opportunities

We’re always looking for passionate, grounded individuals to join us. See open positions below.