Mitákuye Oyás'iŋ (All My Relations)
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As the Winter Solstice, or Wíyukčaŋ, draws near, bringing the longest night of the year, we at The Tanka Fund, alongside the Lakota Sioux Nation, pause to honor this sacred time and our enduring bond with Tatanka, the buffalo. This period of deep winter is not only a celestial milestone but also a spiritual beacon for introspection, renewal, and reaffirmation of our connection to the natural world.
For the Lakota, the Winter Solstice transcends the physical change of seasons; it is a profound reminder of the delicate balance of life and our responsibilities towards it. In the Lakota tradition, the Solstice is embraced as a moment to gather, reflect on the past year, and prepare for the future with resilience and hope. It is a time to renew our bond with Tatanka, the Buffalo, an emblem of life and sustenance, who has provided not only material necessities but also spiritual guidance through generations. Our stories, particularly of the White Buffalo Calf Woman, Pte Sáŋwiŋ, resonate with teachings of balance, respect, and gratitude towards all elements of creation, echoing the ethos of The Tanka Fund.
We strive to restore and preserve buffalo populations, recognizing their crucial role in the ecosystem and the cultural fabric of the Lakota people. The Winter Solstice offers us an opportunity to renew our commitment to this mission and reflect on the broader environmental challenges our planet faces. We share stories of how Tatanka once shaped the landscapes of North America and discuss the impacts of their near extinction, emphasizing the importance of their restoration for both cultural and environmental health.
This sacred time also calls upon us to reaffirm our dedication to environmental stewardship and sustainable living. Our efforts at The Tanka Fund extend beyond the preservation of buffalo. We embrace a holistic approach to land management, advocating for the interconnectedness of all life forms and the necessity of respecting and protecting our natural world. Our mission is to return buffalo to Native American lands in a way that honors the cultural and spiritual significance of the animal to all Native American communities. The Solstice is a reminder of our shared responsibility to protect the land, water, and all living beings, ensuring the gifts of the earth can sustain future generations.
As the Lakota Sioux traditionally gather around the fire during the Solstice, sharing stories and reinforcing their connection to Tatanka, we too invite our supporters and friends to join us in this period of reflection and commitment. Let us use the Winter Solstice as a moment to rekindle our collective commitment to the environment, the buffalo, and the principles of balance and harmony that guide our work.
As the days begin to lengthen, signaling the slow return of the sun, we are reminded of the enduring resilience of nature and the importance of our role in its preservation. Together, let us move forward with renewed energy and hope, working towards a future where the buffalo roam freely, and our ecosystems thrive.
Wóphila tȟáŋka (Many Thanks),
The Tanka Fund Team
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