BUFFALO "Tsoo-thlum" PROJECT

In 1991, the Yakama Nation as a government welcomed back into its culture the "Tsoo-thlum", or Bison, to the homeland of its people. This long awaited journey began with an individual tribal member who purchased and raised 12 of the bison. Upon his retirement the tribe offered and purchased the animals, and the rest is history.

Today the herd has grown from the original 12 to over 200. Through the efforts of dedicated tribal members, and with funding by the Intertribal Bison Cooperative of Rapid City, South Dakota, the bison is here to stay. The herd is now under the management of the Yakama Nation Wildlife, Range, & Vegetation Program (transferred from under the direction of the YN Cultural Heritage Center in 1996).

The Bison Project has over 900 acres of land to manage the herd, utilizes over 120 tons of winter feed per year and produces 40-50 young calves every spring.

Culturally, the bison plays a big role in the history of the Yakama People. Yakama legends depict the departure of this magnificent animal, and its long awaited return. The bison was used in a ceremonial way to honor warriors of the tribe. Revered for its strength and endurance, the animal was one of the symbols of manhood and represented the Warriors of the Tribe through ceremonial events such as the Soup Dance. It was also a prized item for health benefits it gave to our people that prevented many of the foreign diseases brought here from abroad. Today this knowledge is being reinforced through scientific studies that conclude bison meat is an excellent alternative to red meat for diabetics and heart patients. Native peoples have always known this and today are trying very hard to bring back the bison for our people. More so, there are over 150 uses of one single bison from medicines to ornamental items.

The goals of the Yakama Nation Bison Project are to make bison meat available for every Yakama home on the Reservation and to instill the faith in trying to help cure the deadly diseases that take our people from this beautiful land.

Second, we hope to build our herd to over 400 animals so that those homes can have the opportunity to utilize and continue on the traditions our ancestors had, practiced, and left here for us to use.

And third, for all tribal as well as non-tribal members to experience the sight of this magnificent animal on our land.

Buffalo meat can be purchased by both tribal members and the general public. Prices for buffalo are variable and subject to change at any time. To make a purchase, first download our order form, with price information.

If you have questions, please contact Jim at (509) 949-2189 or (509) 865-5121, x6310.

The Yakama Nation Diabetes Program works with the Wildlife Program to distribute buffalo meat to our elders. For information on enrollment in the diabetes program and other information and help, contact:

*Evelyn Umtuch, Program Manager, Phone: (509) 865-2101

*Vicki Swan, Community Health Educator, Phone: (509) 865-2101

*Crystal Buck, Community Physical Health Educator,
Phone: (509) 865-2101, x315 or 686

Pictures - Bison herd on Yakama Reservation.

Picture 1 - Bison herd on Yakama Reservation,
Picture 2 - Yearling.

Pictures - Bison herd on Yakama Reservation.

Pictures - Buffalo meat donated by the USDA was carved, cooked, and distributed to Tribal Elders by the Yakama Nation Diabetes Program.