Here it is:

Mi-ta-ku-ye (my relatives),  

I have been called upon to perform the Spirit Releasing ceremony for 

the thousands of buffalo that have lost their lives in the last decade, in 

the mountains of the Yellowstone River country. 

 

Many, many generations ago, our relatives, the Pte O-ya-te (Buffalo 

People) came up from Wind Cave in the Black Hills; the heart of Un-ci 

Ma-ka (Grandmother Earth) and prepared the way for our existence.  

From that time forward, they gave of themselves for our survival, as 

long as we respected their gift. They taught us how to live in an 

honorable and respectful way by example and through the teachings 

of the White Buffalo Calf Woman.  She brought the Sacred Canupa 

(Pipe) to remind us of our responsibilities and also provided us with 

the knowledge of the sacred rites that are necessary to discipline 

ourselves.  

 

From the Buffalo Nation, our ancestors learned to have an honorable 

relationship of being connected with Un-ci Ma-ka; this “way of life” 

that identifies us of who we are as an O-ya-te (a People), with all it’s 

sacred teachings.  They understood the gifts from Un-ci and carefully 

lived in harmony with her wellbeing.  For that reason, we hold them to 

be sacred.  We co-existed in a good way until we were nearly 

destroyed. Ob un-ka-so-ta-pi tka.  The sacred Buffalo Nation in these 

mountains are the survivors of that natural way of life.  We are 

culturally and spiritually indebted to them and we still need their 

guidance, to remind us how to be at peace and harmony with Un-ci 

Ma-ka.  

 

Let it be known that Yellowstone territory; the habitat of the last wild 

Buffalo Nation – is sacred ground, it has been a SACRED SITE for 

the First Nation’s people, and for all humanity who hold deep respect 

for all Creation. The Buffalo Nation has confirmed this fact; by where 

they have ended up, continuing to survive in their natural migration, 

struggling to live in a peaceful manner.  Our ancestors also gave us 

this message by fasting in this area long ago, as they recognized this 

place of sacredness. This understanding is how we maintain the 

balance upon Un-ci Ma-ka, to protect these places, especially for the 

survival of our future generations to come. 

 These Buffalo that lost their lives in Yellowstone did not die by 

Natural Law, nor were their spirits honored with ceremony.  This is 

why we must go there to perform a ceremony of honor for those that 

lost their lives by the misunderstanding of human-kind and pray to 

Wakan Tankan (Great Spirit) for pity of how gifts were unappreciated. 

We must pray with all those who grieve and be grateful for them. 

 

Many of the people who are deeply concerned of what has happened 

in the manner of which their lives were taken; we see this as an un- 

necessary massacre.  We have known that this particular herd is the 

last original Buffalo Nation that still follows their migration pattern, the 

little that is left in tact; they are the sign of our connection to our 

wellbeing of living in harmony.  I humbly ask for all People to make 

prayers on April 15th, at high noon; for a healing of humanity – for the 

decisions that are being made with no regard for the sacredness of 

life, for the massacred Buffalo’s spiritual journey and to protect what 

is left – in understanding of what our journey in this life represents in 

being responsible!  We must pray for the healing of the human Spirit, 

to understand the connection to all living beings on Un-ci Ma-ka.  

 

In a Sacred Hoop of Life, where there is no ending and no beginning! 

 

Can-te Mi-ta-wa I-ta-han (from my heart) 

Chief Arvol Looking Horse 

19th Generation Keeper of the Sacred White Buffalo Calf Pipe