Twin Buttes Honoring The Bison Virtual Run 2021

Welcome participants, Waashirahere'nito'sh (Thank you all) for Honoring the Bison. 

The Hans Creek Bison Herd started from a vision of health and wellness several years ago. After much planning and preparation ten bison, seven cows and three bulls, were donated to our tribe from the Intertribal Buffalo Council (ITBC) in collaboration with other Tribal Nations, and State and National Park Services. Today the Hans Creek Bison herd has grown to 185 adult bison and 60 new bison calves born during the spring and summer months. 

The Hans Creek Bison Herd is located in Twin Buttes, ND. Twin Buttes is small, but developing rural community within the South Segment of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation.

The Twin Buttes Community strives to rekindle the relationship between the land, the bison, and the people. Not long ago, in our Tribe's recent history, the bison represented nearly our entire economy. The Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara people grew huge gardens of corn and other staple crops, and depended heavily on seasonal bison hunts. Our Tribe depended on our relationship with the bison for food, clothing, shelter, and tools. 

Elaborate ceremonies were performed and prayer was offered up to ensure an abundance of game animals and a successful harvest. There were even "Buffalo Calling" ceremonies performed that "called" the herds closer to our villages for greater odds of a successful hunt. 

Today, here in Twin Buttes, the Bison Nation is reclaiming its place of importance within our local economy, providing high quality protein and job opportunities that require caring for and managing the herd and the land. 

For those of you that are new to the Honoring the Bison Virtual Run, we greet you with a warm welcome! Those of you that are returning participants, we thank you for your personal vision of health and wellness, balance, and commitment to excellence. We wish you continued success on your journey!

Aho, a'taroni'to'sh. (Thank you, that is all for now.)

Cory Spotted Bear