AUGUSTA “GUSTI” RATTLING HAWK

Augusta "Gusti" Rattling Hawk is the Buffalo Restoration Director at Tanka Fund, leading the ecological and community-centered work of returning Buffalo to Native lands. They bring direct experience working alongside Buffalo producers, Tribal Nations, and conservation partners across Indian Country.

An enrolled Oglala Lakota from Wambli, South Dakota, Gusti grew up in the Badlands surrounded by horses, dogs, and open prairie that would shape the direction of their life's work. They earned a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Science, modified with Native American Studies, from Dartmouth College and are currently pursuing a master's degree in Applied Ecology through the University of Nebraska-Lincoln School of Natural Resources.

Gusti's graduate research integrates Lakota Traditional Ecological Practices, Buffalo management, and restorative fire to advance grassland health and ecosystem resilience. Their field work as a Technical Service Provider has included conservation planning, USDA-NRCS partnerships, and Buffalo education for producers and Tribes alike.

When they are not in the field, Gusti can be found outdoors with their two dogs, Heppi and Chonky, and a good bowl of soup.

Email: augusta.rattlinghawk@tankafund.org