Bittersweet Goodbye To Our Exec. Director
It is with mixed emotions that we announce the resignation of Dr. Trudy Ecoffey, our esteemed Executive Director of Tanka Fund. She has been an invaluable asset to our organization — demonstrating unwavering dedication, exemplary leadership and a passion for our mission that has inspired us all. While we are saddened to see her leave, we wholeheartedly support her decision to pursue new opportunities and
challenges. Her tenure with us has been marked by significant achievements, including the return of more than 400 Buffalo to Native American caretakers, and we are confident that she will continue to excel in her future endeavors.
As Dr. Ecoffey embarks on her next chapter, we extend our heartfelt best wishes for her continued success. She leaves behind a legacy of positive contributions, and we are grateful for her leadership, vision, and tireless commitment to our cause. In light of this transition, we want to assure you that the board and staff are fully committed to ensuring a smooth and seamless transition process. We have initiated a comprehensive transition plan that prioritizes continuity of operations and maintains the momentum of our programs and initiatives.
Dawn Sherman has moved into leading the transition and has actively stepped in as leader. We extend our sincerest gratitude to Dr. Ecoffey for her dedication, leadership, and countless contributions to our organization. Her impact will be felt for years to come, and we are privileged to have had the opportunity to work alongside her. Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to our mission. Together, we will navigate this transition with strength, resilience, and unwavering determination.
Sincerely,
The Tanka Fund Board of Directors and the Tanka Fund teamOut in the field with our ranchers
Buffalo caretaker Brendan Siers, who became a Tanka Fund rancher partner in 2023, lives on Rosebud Reservation, SD. Brendan and his sister, Suzanne Mealer, are working to convert their family’s ranch from cattle to buffalo. Members of the Sicangu Lakota Sioux Tribe, they currently have about 119 buffalo.
Tanka Fund team members Arnell Abold, Zintkala Eiring and Dawn Sherman visited with Brendan this month and brought along videographers Kevin Campbell and Amber Wyatt to film some footage for an upcoming video about Tanka Fund’s 10 years of work in buffalo restoration. Funded by Butcher Box, the video will be released in June.
Feature on Virgil Two-Eagle, Sr.
In April, we released a mini-documentary focusing on buffalo caretaker Virgil Two-Eagle, Sr., (Oglala Lakota), one of our rancher partners located on Pine Ridge Reservation, SD. But our newsletter subscribers can watch the entire video right now!
10th Anniversary Campaign donor gift
In celebration of Tanka Fund’s 10th year, we are featuring our 2nd Tanka Fund Limited Edition Collectible Blanket, “Infinity Journey of the Buffalo,” designed by Delaena Uses Knife, a Mnicoujou Lakota artist from the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. Sponsored by the WINDROSE Fund and made by Eighth Generation, you can get your very own blanket by donating $500 or more to the Tanka Fund and it will be sent to you as a “thank you” gift from us!
Conservation Planning Workshop May 28-31
Tanka Fund is collaborating with First Nations Development Institute on a Conservation Planning Workshop titled INDIGENOUS PARTNERSHIPS TO ADVANCE NATIVE AMERICAN COMMUNITIES AND PRODUCERS. The event is May 28-31 at the Box Events Center, Rapid City, SD. For more information or to register, click the link below.
Tanka Fund to present at NAFWS conference
Tanka Fund’s Arnell Abold and Janét Moore have been invited to give an oral presentation titled “Restoring Buffalo to Native Land” at the 2024 Native American Fish and Wildlife Society Great Plains Regional Annual Conference in Billings, MT, April 17-18.
Tanka Fund seeks Range Technician Intern
We are currently taking applications for the position of Range Technician Intern, who will work closely with our Tanka Fund Range Ecologist, Range Ecologist Technical Assistant, and Senior Technical Assistance Coordinator. The Range Technician Intern will be responsible for data collection and monitoring, as well as reporting.
This position is funded by the “Grass is Greener on the Other Side: Climate Smart Beef and Bison Commodities” 5-year grant awarded to Tanka Fund in 2023 by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Partnership for Climate Smart Commodities Program.
To learn more and/or apply, click the link below. Deadline for application has been extended until May 10, 2024.
FUNDER SPOTLIGHT: Northwest Area Foundation
One of our very first funding partners, Northwest Area Foundation has been an unwavering supporter of Tanka Fund and its mission to return buffalo to Native American lands and caretakers. Begun in 1934, the foundation supports grantee partners whose work advances self-determination by building the power of people and communities to liberate themselves from policies, practices, and beliefs designed to disadvantage them.
DID YOU KNOW?
The American bison (or buffalo as we commonly call them) is the largest land mammal in North America. At a whopping 2,000 pounds, male buffalo are the heavyweights and reach as high as 6 feet tall at the shoulder. Female buffalo can weigh up to 1,000 pounds and stand 4 to 5 feet tall.
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