Knife Chief Buffalo Nation Society
Knife Chief Buffalo Nation Society is focused on restoring a respectful and spiritual relationship with our buffalo relatives.
Knife Chief Buffalo Nation Society is a non-profit organization named after our grandfather, Mila Yatan Pika, Knife Chief. This grass roots organization is committed to caring for the members of the buffalo nation as relatives and learning from them.
Our herd is located near Porcupine, South Dakota on Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. We have managed the buffalo herd and have been informally doing these activities for several years. The buffalo that are in our care are used as sustenance as well as for ceremonial, spiritual, and educational purposes. Our goal is to restore a respectful and spiritual relationship that we once had with the Buffalo Nation so that our future generations can continue the ceremonies that make us strong.
Three of the traditional ceremonies where the Buffalo Nation plays an integral role:
- The Sundance Ceremony,
- Wicasa Ihuni (becoming a man),
- Isnati Awicalowanpi ("they sing for her who lives alone"-becoming a woman)
Our activities are inter-generational. We plan to increase both our activities and our herd size when we are able to expand our acreage for pastures.
Fundraisers
Official fundraiser
Koskalaka Wicayuwita Pi - Gathering of Young Men Camp
A four-day camp that is centered on building up a foundational milestone in the lives of young Lakota men- the transition from boy to young man. Supporting koskalaka, young men, in developing hunting skills, outdoor awareness, cultural understanding, and confidence in their identity. Youth will be guided through hands on experiences that emphasize the seven laws/virtues, respect for wildlife, traditional ways of learning, and Lakota lifeways. Some activities include receiving a Lakota name (if they don't have one already), learn Lakota star knowledge, tipi set up, hunting, gun safety, skill building activities, and going to inipi (sweat). Donations will help the youth purchase new clothes, warm layers, toiletries food, water, travel, material for offerings, etc..
- Raised
- $0
- Goal
- $25,000
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