Hau Mitakuyapi, chantewasteya iyuha napechiyuzapi, (My relatives, I heartily shake your hands)
Join us for the 12th anniversary of The Buffalo: A Treaty of Cooperation, Renewal and Restoration (Buffalo Treaty).
This unique gathering is hosted on He Sapa territory by the Oglala Lakota Nation of the Great Sioux Nation and co-hosted by the International Buffalo Relations Institute, NDN Collective and Tanka Fund.
Agenda:
Come visit your Buffalo Relatives in the Spirit of Cooperation on Tuesday, October 20 to Thursday, October 22, 2026.
The Gathering will start on Tuesday, October 20 at 1pm at Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota, followed by Buffalo Storytelling Night.
On Wednesday, October 21, registration will start between 8 and 10am and Buffalo Dialogues on Cooperation will be held, with a film and an evening hand drum/song contest this evening. Please bring your drums and song bags along with you.
On Thursday, October 22, the Buffalo Treaty Ceremony and feast will be held and new signatory Nations, partners and supporters will be invited to sign along with everyone else to renew their commitments to the Buffalo. Please ensure your leadership and a witness is present for that day to sign.
Important travel logistics:
Travel: Closest airport: Rapid City and rental cars are available at the airport
Hotel: Main gathering at the State Game Lodge and rooms and cabins are available for you to book. Only 70 are available -Please book online a room or a babin at the State Game Lodge by calling 888-875-0001 and reference the Other accommodations are available around the town of Custer (20 minute) or in Rapid City (about a 50 minute drive).
Travel and hotels will be at the cost of each Nation and participants. Meals are provided throughout the gathering and there is no registration fee.
We look forward to gathering together to honor, recognize, and revitalize the time immemorial relationship we have with Buffalo with collective intention in He Sapa.
The 12th year anniversary is hosted by the Oglala Lakota Nation of the Great Sioux Nation and co-hosted with the International Buffalo Relations Institute, NDN Collective and Tanka Fund.
If you would like to contribute financially or in-kind to the 12th year aniversary, please send us an email at info@buffalotreaty.com
Remembering the 10th Anniversary of the Buffalo Treaty
September 22-25, 2024
The Buffalo, Iinnii, Tatanga, Tatanka, Paskwâwimostos, Xaniti, Qwisp, Kamquq̓ukuǂ ʔiyamu, Iyane'e, heneeceeno', ésevone, Mushkode Bizhikim, Q’weyqway, Hii3einoon, boyzhan, ʔíítaanɔ́ɔ́nʔi, Bison and many more relatives would like to express a heartfelt thank you for your participation at the Ten Year Buffalo Treaty Anniversary Gathering hosted by the Kainai Nation, Motokiiksi, and International Buffalo Relations Institute. Everyone shared beautiful Buffalo energy collectively.
The theme of the gathering was Renewal; coming together to embrace the future and looking at the Buffalo path ahead
The 10th Anniversary Gathering provided Buffalo experiences to:
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Over 1700 participants
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30 First Nations signatories
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500 Youth Participants
Event Photo Overview
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Day 1: Participants enjoying Opening address
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Day 1: Participants watching Singing Back the Buffalo
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Day 1: Participants watching Inniskim: Return of the Buffalo
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Day 1: Buffalo Lantern Puppets visit
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Day 2: Buffalo Dialogue Tipis
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Day 2: Buffalo Dialogue Outdoors
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Day 2: Pemmican Making Youth Activity
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Day 2: Buffalo Lantern Puppets visit the Community
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Day 3: Signing Day
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Day 3: Preparing for Grand Entry
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Day 3: IBRI Staff holding Buffalo Treaty gifted to Signatories
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Day 3: Event Planning Herd Celebrate a Successful Gathering
