Sacred Storm Buffalo empowers Native producers by offering comprehensive services such as access to equipment, training, and capital to foster economic self-sufficiency while preserving Indigenous traditions. By integrating every aspect of the bison’s lifecycle, from conception to consumption, they break the dependency on other agricultural systems. The organization serves Reservation and Tribal land communities, as well as the Indigenous urban community of Rapid City, South Dakota, with a special focus on empowering young Native Americans through career opportunities that connect them to their cultural heritage and promote self-determination.
The project’s goals include empowerment through education, establishing independent food systems, and promoting economic self-sufficiency. Sacred Storm Buffalo develops educational programs like the Warrior Lodge, which teaches young Native warriors the importance of food sovereignty and equips them with skills in buffalo production. The organization is committed to building localized food infrastructure, including processing facilities and training programs for meat cutters and traditional harvesters. By implementing these initiatives, they aim to provide Native communities with sustainable livelihoods, enhance herd health, and create a transformative opportunity for Native peoples to engage with a localized food system that encompasses the entire lifecycle of the buffalo.
