“As Lipan Apache descendent, mother, sister, and nature loving woman, I have a vision to culturally revive and RECONNECT the relationship between Texas Tribes. Through our regenerative buffalo herd, data & food sovereignty initiatives, DNA project, community events, and programs; we would like to leave our descendants & descendants of all Texas Tribes, a legacy of health and happiness, now and for the future.”
Lucille Contreras, CEO and Founder of Texas Tribal Buffalo Project.
The American Iyane’e/Bison which once ruled the southern Texas plains, reached near extinction near the end of the 19th century. Traditionally the Iyane’e were not only a source of spirituality, food, shelter, clothing, medicine, tools, and other living essentials but also through natural behavior improved soil health, and promoted biodiversity, and plant growth. Recently, Bison have experienced a comeback, as Lipan Apache women we are interested in providing a resurgence of a native life that promotes health and vitality to the land and people, providing space where Tribal people living on indigenous Texas Tribal lands, can RECONNECT with our Buffalo relatives and live in balance with nature.
What is a Regenerative Herd?
A regenerative buffalo herd is a group of buffalo, raised in a way that mimics natural movement and behaviors, helping to heal the land grazed on. By roaming, the herd’s graze patterns naturally regenerate the soil, create healthier ecosystems, and encourage diversity of plant growth. We learn this from the past harmonic relationships our buffalo relatives had with the environment, by bringing back our native agriculture practices, we are creating a better future for all.
Why Data Sovereignty?
In our mission to reconnect Texas Indigenous Lineal Descendents with each other and the Iyane’e/buffalo, we understand that much of our story has not been told. The State of Texas tells us there are no Native/American Indian/Native American tribal people left in Texas outside of the federally recognized tribes. We know that isn’t accurate. By gathering the data we can document our own story, and we then share our history from our perspective. Through surveys, research, community and academic partnerships, the Texas Tribal Buffalo Project is demonstrating through our traditions and science, the story of Texas Indigenous Lineal Descendents.
This will aid our ability to strategically formulate our programs and approach while offering the public insights into who we are as Texas Indigenous Lineal Descendents. We no longer are the people who hide in plain sight to survive. Instead, now we teach our children about the Iyane’e, TILD languages and our place on these lands.
Nurturing Food Cultivation for a Viable Future.
Harvesting Hope:
Food sovereignty is a concept that refers to the right of people to control their own food systems, including the production, distribution, and consumption of food. With an emphasis on local, community-based food production and management, as well as culturally appropriate and sustainable agricultural practices. Food sovereignty advocates for the rights of small-scale farmers, indigenous peoples, and communities to determine their own food policies and practices, rather than being dependent on large corporations or external sources for food production and distribution. It also encompasses broader social, economic, and environmental concerns related to food, such as access to land, water, and resources, as well as social justice issues surrounding food production and distribution. Overall, food sovereignty is a way to empower communities to create resilient and sustainable food systems that meet their own needs while respecting cultural diversity and environmental integrity.
Texas Tribal Buffalo Project food sovereignty initiatives include partnerships with local school districts, indigenous community food banks and our own Meat for Mamas program to provide Bison Meat for our relatives.
Changing the world is possible.
Our mission is to honor our ancestors & the ancestors of our buffalo relatives by:
1. Practicing good stewardship of the earth’s natural resources in raising bison.
2. Promoting the well-being of our tribe and other surrounding tribes of Texas.
3. Providing all peoples a chance to interact with and understand the buffalo.
4. Offer better health alternatives through the sale of quality bison meat.
5. Preserve the history and culture of native Texas.
6. Educate our community about soil health and regenerative practices.
Let’s meet up at the ranch.
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