Our Rancher Partners: An update on David and Patra Wise

Our rancher partners at Native Wise LLC on the Fond du Lac Reservation in Minnesota are a prime example of what Buffalo can do to revitalize a Native economy.

David (Ojibwe) and Patra Wise own and operate this family farm and Dancing Crane Ranch, where Buffalo are at the center of everything they do. Native Wise strives to incorporate traditional agricultural knowledge into all aspects of food production — from the return of the Ojibwe Spirit Horse to its homelands to Buffalo stewardship.

David once said, "Buffalo were taken from us around the time we were placed on these reservations. Bringing them back to our communities is a chance to renew our connection to our ancestors, our culture, and restore our sense of community."

What makes their operation stand out is the range of what they've built. From Buffalo sticks and summer sausage to body butter, raw honey, and wild rice — Native Wise offers a full lineup of natural, land-based products that extend well beyond the ranch. They work with local businesses and their community, creating ripple effects across the reservation economy.

One of those partnerships is with chef Sean Sherman (The Sioux Chef), whose new restaurant Indígena by Owamni in Minneapolis features Buffalo and wild rice sourced from the Wises.

"He's been very supportive and had David come and talk to people at the restaurant," Patra said. "He loves to support local Native producers."

Along with welcoming new calves recently to their herd, the Wises are also breaking ground on a barn and riding arena for their horses and are nearly finished with a new meat house on the property — all part of a longer vision to make Native Wise a full education facility.

And soon, one member of their herd will have his own storybook. On July 21, Napesni Renegade, a picture book written by award-winning Ojibwe author and poet Marcie R. Rendon, will be available. It is inspired by the Wises’ bull Renegade and features a wild bison named Napesni. For ages 3–7, it's a book for kids "who love animals and are looking for stories with a theme of home.”

It’s one more way that the Wises are bringing Buffalo back home and beyond.