As part of the Native Memory Project’s documentation of the Wind River Tribal Buffalo Initiative, regional coordinator Darrah Goggles (Blackfeet) extended NMP’s outreach to include recording the similarities between buffalo harvesting on the Blackfeet and Wind River Reservations. The American buffalo (bison) was essential to Indigenous Plains nations. Providing food, shelter, clothing and tools, the buffalo served as a cornerstone for life. It was revered as a sacred relative and spiritual guide.

Harvesting a buffalo begins with a blessing that honors and pays respect to the buffalo, their spirit, and their sacrifice for the good of the tribe. Here, Patrick Black Plume of the Kainai-Blood Tribe performs the Hunter’s Blessing.

For the Blackfeet, an important part of Iinnii Days is honoring buffalo for the key role they played in the tribe’s survival. An art show is one way in which tribal members, especially their youth, are encouraged to think about the critical relationship between the Blackfeet and their buffalo herd. Artists are asked to create works which reflect and celebrate this important connection.