VIDEO: Lucille R Contreras, Texas Tribal Buffalo Project, on the importance of the Buffalo
Tanka Fund rancher partner Lucille R. Contreras, founder and CEO of Texas Tribal Buffalo Project, shares about the history of the Texas Indigenous people, the connection to the Buffalo and the land as well as the reconnection of Native communities.
Summary:
Texas Indigenous people have longed to reconnect with their roots in the land, native trees, and wildlife like the whooping crane. This connection was lost with the removal of the buffalo, leading to land devastation and the erasure of their language. The Texas Tribal Buffalo Project aims to reunite tribes and restore bonds with the buffalo, acknowledging them as essential relatives and caretakers.
Key points:
Longing for Connection: Texas Indigenous people have longed to reconnect with their roots, including their connection to the land, soil, native plants, and wildlife.
Impact of Buffalo Removal: The removal of the Buffalo led to significant land devastation, such as the Dust Bowl, and contributed to the loss of cultural ties and language.
Language and Recognition: Retaining their language is a requirement for federal recognition as a tribe, which has been challenging due to past persecution of Indigenous people.
Survival and Hidden Identity: Indigenous people in Texas faced severe persecution, forcing their ancestors to hide their identity for generations to survive.
The Texas Tribal Buffalo Project: This initiative aims to bring tribes together and restore their connection to the Buffalo, which is central to their culture and identity.
Buffalo as Relatives and Caretakers: By reconnecting with the Buffalo, the tribes hope to reestablish a reciprocal relationship where the Buffalo care for the people, and the people care for the Buffalo in return.
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