Press Release: Upcoming Tatáŋka (Buffalo) Harvest Continues the Buffalo to Schools Initiative
RAPID CITY, SD (Oct. 22, 2025) — Oyáte Wóokiye, in partnership with Tanka Fund, is proud to announce the second annual Tatáŋka (Buffalo) Harvest on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Makoce Agriculture Development (1751 Mahpiya Maza Lane, Porcupine, SD).
As co-host, Tanka Fund celebrates this harvest as part of its Buffalo to Schools initiative — restoring Buffalo to Native lands, livelihoods, and food systems while supporting school nutrition and community wellness.
“Bringing the Buffalo into the schools is so much bigger than just lunch. It’s about bringing back a sacred relationship,” said Jeanne Eagle Bull, president of Oyáte Wóokiye. “This is sovereign nourishment — living what our ancestors taught us about health and spiritual wealth, so our people stay well.”
Facilitated by Buffalo Medicine Woman Patti Harris-Baldes (Northern Arapaho / Big Pine Paiute), the harvest invites students, educators, and community members to learn hands-on cultural teachings about honoring the Buffalo.and the traditional role of women in processing and preparing it.
“This year’s harvest is truly women-led,” said Dawn Sherman, executive director of Tanka Fund. “We’re returning to that balance — teaching nutrition, health, and cultural practice in one movement.”
Buffalo meat from the harvest will support community programs such as the Toby Classic & Veterans Wacípi skateboard competitions, wellness gatherings, Akíčhita (veterans), and tribal schools, weaving the harvest directly into youth engagement and nourishment.
About the Buffalo to Schools Movement, Tanka Fund, and Oyáte Wóokiye
The Buffalo to Schools movement connects Native-led ranchers, educators, and communities to restore Buffalo to tribal lands, school meals, and cultural life. Tanka Fund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, supports this work through Buffalo restoration and Native ranching that strengthen food systems and wellness. Oyáte Wóokiye (For the People), also a 501(c)(3) based on the Pine Ridge Reservation, empowers Lakota youth and families through wellness, traditional teachings, and community connection.
Event Details
When: 10:00 a.m. Thursday, November 6, 2025
Where: Makoce Agriculture Development, 1751 Mahpiya Maza Lane, Porcupine, SD
Facilitator: Patti Harris-Baldes, Buffalo Medicine Woman (Northern Arapaho / Big Pine Paiute)
Contact: Jeanne Eagle Bull, (301) 910-0824
More Info: www.oyatewookiye.org
Media Contact
Jenice Johnson, Assistant Marketing Manager, Tanka Fund
jenice.johnson@tankafund.org
