The herd has circled and now we move forward
Summary:
Tanka Fund continues to advance its mission of returning Buffalo to Native lands by strengthening partnerships, supporting Native ranchers, and investing in long-term solutions. With new multi-year grants and strategic collaborations, the organization is expanding access to capital, conservation planning, and market opportunities. These efforts are building resilient ranching systems, restoring land, and increasing Buffalo herds across Native lands, turning recent challenges into sustained momentum.
5 Key Points:
Stayed committed to returning Buffalo to Native lands despite a $3M funding loss
Strengthened partnerships and refined strategy to protect and support ranchers and herds
Secured multi-year grants to fuel recovery and long-term growth
Expanded access to capital, USDA programs, and technical support for Native producers
Increased market access and Buffalo transfers to strengthen Native-led ranching systems
Read longer story below:
Last year we were tested, but our circumstances didn’t change our mission of returning Buffalo to Native lands, solidifying our leadership, and focusing even more on our partnerships.
Despite losing $3 million in funding when major partners and resources dissolved, like the Buffalo, we slowed down and circled our herd to protect what matters most. We strengthened our relationships and honed in on our strategy as we empowered our partners, ranchers, and herds at the heart of this movement.
Today and looking forward we are newly energized with multi-year grants and partnerships that are already turning our recovery into momentum. We are investing in conservation planning, expanding access to USDA programs, and unlocking capital and technical support for Native stewards. These investments will restore land, expand market access, and help transfer Buffalo to caretakers across Native lands.
Native-led Ecological Restoration of Bison-Grazed Land: Funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, this initiative focuses on developing conservation plans that strengthen land and wildlife stewardship while improving access to conservation programs.
Paving Pathways for Inclusion for Native Buffalo Producers: Supported by the USDA, this grant increases access to USDA programs for historically underserved individuals and veterans, with a focus on multi-year business planning and strengthening knowledge of the food supply chain and market access.
Increasing Access to Capital for Native Ranchers: Funded by the Administration for Native Americans, this initiative provides technical assistance to improve rancher operations, support business plan implementation, and develop conservation and emergency preparedness strategies. This work also includes identifying Buffalo transfer opportunities and supporting new and emerging ranchers.
Rural Business Development Grant: This U.S. Department of Health and Human Services grant focuses on increasing knowledge and access to local meat markets. This work increases knowledge of and access to local meat markets, helping South Dakota Native Buffalo ranchers navigate Native-led processing and the broader food supply chain. Through technical assistance in business planning and market strategy, we aim to support producers in bringing value-added Buffalo products to market and strengthening long-term economic viability.
“This progress means more resilient ranch businesses, improved grazing landscapes, and Buffalo roaming where they belong. These are not just funding awards, they are partnerships that allow this work to continue and grow. They strengthen our ability to support Native ranchers, restore land, and return Buffalo to the places they belong.” - Executive Director of Tanka Fund, Dawn Sherman
If you’re looking for a way to contribute to this movement, our Wóphila Thánka campaign is a direct way to support the work and the people behind it. This campaign honors our donors, ranchers, and supporters who make this momentum continue.
