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
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Lucille Contreras
Founder + CEO
lucille@texastribalbuffaloproject.org
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Izel Lopez
Deputy Director
izel@texastribalbuffaloproject.org
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Sarah Mendez
Executive Assistant
sarah@texastribalbuffaloproject.org
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Silia Lopez
Deputy Director’s Assistant
silia@texastribalbuffaloproject.org
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Irene Astran
Grants Manager
irene@texastribalbuffaloproject.org
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Alice Cherrier
Event and Volunteer Coordiantor | Meat for Mamas Program Coordinator
alice@texastribalbuffaloproject.org
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Charles Bush
Regenerative Agriculture Curriculum Developer charles@texastribalbuffaloproject.org
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JoseKuauhtli Maestas
Ranch Team
josekuauhtli@texastribalbuffaloproject.org
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Johnette Gonzales
Operations
johnette@texastribalbuffaloproject.org
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Jacqui Haynes
Workforce Curriculum Manager
jacqui@texastribalbuffaloproject.org
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Tommi Ayala
HR Specialist
tommi@texastribalbuffaloproject.org
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Gilbert Perez
Maintenance & Mechanical Lead
gilbert@texastribalbuffaloproject.org
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Layla Salazar
Social Media
media@texastribalbuffaoproject.org
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Julysa Sosa
Marketing + Communications
media@texastribalbuffaoproject.org
Current Opportunities
We’re always looking for passionate, grounded individuals to join us. See open positions below.