Texas Tribal Buffalo Project

The Texas Tribal Buffalo Project (TTBP) emerged in response to a pressing need within Texas Indigenous communities, where challenges of food insecurity and disconnection with traditional lifeways have created significant barriers to well-being. TTBP's mission is to reconnect Texas Indigenous Lineal Descendants with the bison and establish food sovereignty.

Texas comprises approximately 794,062 American Indians and Alaska Natives alone or in combination with Other Races (2022 American Community Survey). An overwhelming majority of those identifying as Texas Indigenous Lineal Descendants come from bison-reliant communities that experience lasting health disparities due to the absence of this traditional and nutritious foodway. Further, their well-being has been long impacted by the lack of spiritual and cultural connection to the bison, revered as a relative, as a provider, and a connection to our ancestors.

Since its inception in 2020, TTBP has worked diligently to address these challenges. TTBP has been instrumental in providing opportunities for individuals to connect to their Native ancestry through cultural youth camps and leadership opportunities, cultural events and powwows, knowledge and resource sharing, business development opportunities, and more, in addition to caring for and experiencing the healing presence of the bison. Through a collaborative approach, we are engaging the community in the restoration of bison, catalyzing the reclamation of land, language, food, health, and culture. Our primary goal is to inspire the next generation of Indigenous leaders who will continue to uplift our traditional foodways, lifeways, and systems that once sustained our communities.

TTBP’s work is rooted in the interconnectedness between Indigenous people, our four-legged relatives, and the land we occupy. As Indigenous peoples, our traditional food systems are deeply intertwined with our ecosystems, biodiversity, and cultural heritage. The 77 acres that TTBP currently stewards maintain a cultural herd of 20 bison. In stewardship of this herd, we embrace regenerative agriculture and holistic grazing methods to restore and regenerate natural processes, improve the long-term health and resilience of ecosystems, mitigate climate change, and support sustainable livelihoods for farmers, herders, and consumers alike.

We intend to foster a culturally-relevant, localized food system that champions sustainability and effectively addresses the prevailing issue of food scarcity within Indigenous communities across Texas. With certifications from the USDA, SNAP, and EBT, TTBP has established itself as a reliable and affordable vendor, consistently providing access to bison meat through various channels, including farmers’ markets, powwows, cultural ceremonies, outreach fairs, and by direct delivery to Indigenous communities. TTBP is committed to a more just future for Indigenous communities, where traditions thrive, food security is a reality, and our ancestral homelands are protected for the well-being of generations to come.

Our priority areas include:

Buffalo Restoration & Herd Management: As a Native Buffalo producer, our priority is the preservation and growth of our bison herd. We embrace rotational grazing methods that allow our bison to live harmoniously on the land while replenishing its biodiversity. Bison are one of our most significant sources of connection to our ancestors, in addition to immeasurable health benefits that must be shared to enhance the physical, emotional, and spiritual health of our Texas Indigenous communities.

Culture & Language: Through immersive hands-on demonstrations and educational sessions, we actively transmit ancestral wisdom, highlighting the indispensable role of bison in our cultural heritage. From ranch events, pow-wows, workshops, and Buffalo harvests, each activity is a testament to the enduring connection between our people and the Buffalo. 

Food Access: The inception of TTBP was a response to the lack of a localized food system and limited access to fresh, nutritious options for Indigenous communities across Texas. We are certified by the USDA to sell bison meat. TTBP strives toward consistent distribution through farmers’ markets, community events, and direct delivery to Indigenous communities. This multi-faceted approach ensures that the healing benefits of the bison are felt directly by those in need. 

Community Education & Development: TTBP is developing a curriculum on traditional foodways, regenerative agriculture, and holistic grazing methods specific to the region. Our curriculum will engage communities to embrace regenerative agricultural methods linked to bison and sustainable food systems. The food system begins with production, which includes our regenerative grazing practices for raising natural, quality meat. From there, our curriculum outlines traditional Indigenous methods for processing, including cleaning, butchering, and preserving the meat for future use. Concepts on consumption will be included, such as the health benefits of bison meat and traditional preparation methods. The curriculum will be adaptable to all age groups, from youth to adults.

Our solution directly benefits the lineal descendants of Texas Indigenous communities, including but not limited to the Lipan Apache Band of Texas, Lipan Apache Nation of Texas, Coahuiltecan Nation, Carrizo/Comecrudo Nation of Texas, Karankawa, Payaya, among many others. These individuals are not part of a federally recognized tribe, as defined by the Indian Reorganization Act. As such, the absence of recognition results in limited access to federal resources, services, and protections available to recognized tribes, including healthcare, education, housing, and economic opportunities.

To better understand the needs of our communities, TTBP established the Decolonizing Data project in partnership with the United States Department of Agriculture and the Urban Indian Health Institute. Through this initiative, we implemented a regional survey to understand various health and food access needs of Indigenous communities across Texas. The results have and will continue to guide TTBP's program development and services to address these needs effectively and support advocacy at local, state, and federal levels.

Furthermore, partnerships with other Bands, Tribes, and local nonprofit organizations guide us in how we may better connect with our relatives, ensuring that our solutions are community-led and culturally relevant. Through these collaborative efforts, we aim to uplift and empower Indigenous communities to thrive on their ancestral lands.

The Texas Tribal Buffalo Project is uniquely positioned to lead this work. As the only women-led Indigenous organization spearheading buffalo restoration efforts in the nation, our commitment to cultural revitalization, community empowerment, and environmental stewardship is unparalleled.

Lucille R. Contreras and Izel Lopez lead the Texas Tribal Buffalo Project (TTBP) with extensive experience and connections within Indigenous communities. Lucille, our Founder and CEO, brings expertise in agriculture, food systems, and Information Technology. Izel, serving as Executive Director, combines advocacy and community leadership, rooted in her educational background in Native American Studies and her leadership roles within the American Indians of Texas at Spanish Colonial Missions. Together, their backgrounds ensure the project's initiatives are deeply rooted in cultural integrity and community empowerment.

Lucille R. Contreras is the Founder and CEO of TTBP. She completed her formal education at the University of Colorado-Boulder in 1992 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree. Lucille has over a decade of experience across agriculture and food systems and two decades of skills and knowledge around Information Technology. She is a council member for The National Center for Appropriate Technology soil and water initiative. She also serves as an advisor for the State Innovation Exchange. These experiences reaffirm that her opinions in Agriculture and land work are valued at a higher level. Though her capacity has increased through her professional opportunities and experiences, Lucille feels that her involvement and passion for food systems work and Buffalo restoration has been largely shaped by her cultural and spiritual experiences living and working among Indigenous communities. Her ability to provide for her community and underrepresented communities invigorates her and motivates her to continue making significant impacts on a large scale. 

Izel Lopez is the Executive Director of TTBP. She is a member of the Tap Pilam Coahuiltecan Nation and has served as Interim Chair and Vice Chairman for the American Indians of Texas at Spanish Colonial Missions for 6 years. She has also been a part of the Powwow Community for over 25 years as a Southern Cloth dancer. Izel is a graduate of the University of the Incarnate Word with a degree in Native American Studies and hopes to utilize her education and experiences in fulfilling the needs of the Texas Tribal Buffalo Project and all within the Indigenous community in Texas and beyond.

Together, Lucille and Izel lead our team with a clear vision rooted in cultural integrity, community empowerment, and environmental stewardship. Our commitment to inspiring and empowering others to embrace Indigenous wisdom, sustainability, and a deeper connection with the natural world drives us forward. As we continue our buffalo restoration efforts, we envision a future that is not only more equitable and harmonious but also resilient, where the teachings of our ancestors guide us toward a thriving coexistence with the land and all its inhabitants.

TTBP’s journey began with the establishment of our headquarters in Waelder, Texas, where we have diligently stewarded a herd of 20 bison on our 77-acre ranch. With a vision for expansion, TTBP aspires to expand our impact and rematriate ancestral homelands in Floresville, Texas.

In Waelder, TTBP has achieved significant milestones, reflecting our commitment to community empowerment and cultural revitalization. These milestones include training for Indigenous farmers and ranchers, ceremonial buffalo harvests, pasture walks for children and Elders, conducting state-wide surveys, and leading DNA research, among many others. TTBP has remained committed to serving Indigenous communities by adapting its distribution strategies. TTBP is newly certified to accept EBT benefits online. This service expands our reach and accessibility as we are one of the 31 vendors in Texas and the sole bison caretaker/producer nationwide to offer this service.

As we embark on the next phase of our growth, we seek support to expand our operations to an additional land base in Floresville, Texas. This expansion will enable our educational programs to mature closer to an urban center, allow us to establish a meat processing facility, and allow for the splitting of our herd to increase bison births and improve access to resources.

In summary, TTBP is at a stage of growth where our established headquarters in Waelder serves as a foundation for further expansion in Floresville. With a proven track record of success and a clear vision for the future, we are poised to scale our impact and continue our mission of resilience and kinship within Indigenous communities.

As an organization deeply committed to catalyzing change within the Indigenous Agriculture movement and local food systems, the Texas Tribal Buffalo Project seeks to amplify our impact and refine leadership skills within our solution team. Rooted in ancestral teachings, our mission is to exemplify values that inspire and guide Indigenous communities, recognizing their pivotal role in responding to the most pressing issues affecting our communities.

We are committed to enriching our understanding of business strategies and planning, essential tools for manifesting our visionary objectives with precision and resilience. Additionally, through collaboration with community development leaders, we aim to facilitate discussions that harness the diverse perspectives of Indigenous communities across Turtle Island to foster innovative solutions for positive change.

To achieve our long-term goals, we are eager to gain assistance through Solve to better overcome financial, technical, legal, and cultural barriers in a manner that honors our Indigenous lifeways, traditions, and unique needs. With further technical support, we aspire to generate data that can advocate for our needs on local, state, and federal levels, while amplifying the numerous benefits of the bison as a keystone species and sacred relative.

Furthermore, as we continue to develop our Regenerative Agriculture Curriculum specific to our region, we recognize the importance of leveraging technology to disseminate this information effectively. By doing so, we can garner additional support for the broader food sovereignty and self-determination movements unfolding within Texas. Through Solve, we see an opportunity to access the expertise and resources needed to navigate these challenges and advance our mission.

Lucille R. Contreras, our esteemed Team Lead, has deep roots in the communities our project serves. As an enrolled member of the Lipan Apache Band of Texas and a long-time resident of Texas, Lucille embodies a unique matriarchal perspective that informs our approach to developing a localized, equitable food system and rematriating the land.

Lucille has firsthand knowledge of traditional ecological knowledge, regenerative herd management, and a strong take on the food access needs of Indigenous communities as she grew up in the area and has spent most of her life working in the area. She has worked within food systems and sovereignty work for over a decade. Before living out her life goal of starting her buffalo herd, Lucille gained experience and mentorship from Ed Iron Cloud of the Knife Chief Buffalo Herd in Porcupine, South Dakota. This sparked her vision to return our Buffalo relatives to Texas and reclaim the foodways that once sustained our Indigenous ancestors. Since her return, she has been networking with various key players in food system work across Texas and has shared her knowledge of Indigenous agriculture through several different seminars and training, cultivating a new generation of Indigenous changemakers poised to drive sustainable economic growth and community development.

With a commitment to cultural preservation, community empowerment, and environmental stewardship, TTBP has developed a unique approach that leverages the restoration of buffalo herds as a catalyst for positive change. 

At the heart of TTBP's approach lies the recognition of the deep connection between Indigenous peoples, bison, and the land they inhabit. By reintroducing bison herds to Indigenous lands, TTBP not only contributes to ecological conservation but also serves as a powerful tool for cultural revitalization. Through immersive experiences, educational workshops, and cultural events, TTBP engages community members of all ages in learning about traditional practices, language revitalization, and the significance of buffalo in Indigenous culture. This holistic approach to community well-being sets TTBP apart, addressing food insecurity, health disparities, and cultural erosion—all critical issues facing Indigenous communities in Texas. By fostering cross-sector collaboration and partnerships with government agencies, conservation organizations, educational institutions, and Indigenous communities, TTBP leverages diverse expertise, resources, and networks to maximize its impact and reach.

TTBP envisions reestablishing the presence of bison as a transformative solution for Indigenous communities in multiple ways:

Spiritual Healing: Reconnecting with the bison holds profound spiritual significance for both the bison and Indigenous people. This reconnection can facilitate spiritual healing and restoration of cultural heritage, fostering a sense of connection to ancestral traditions.

Food Sovereignty and Self-Determination: The cultural significance of the bison extends to promoting food sovereignty and self-determination within Indigenous communities. By engaging in bison-related activities and professions such as caretaking, herding, and ranching, community members can reclaim traditional food systems and assert control over their own food production.

Economic Opportunities: The resurgence of bison presents economic opportunities for Indigenous communities. Individuals involved in bison-related activities can explore avenues such as agro-tourism, the sale of live bison, and the distribution of bison meat. 

Ecological Restoration and Regeneration: Leveraging sustainable grazing methods, the presence of bison contributes ecologically. Through traditional land management practices, such as rotational grazing, bison can enhance soil health, promote biodiversity, and restore ecological balance. These sustainable practices benefit the environment and support the health and prosperity of Indigenous communities.

Overall, the resurgence of bison in Indigenous communities has a multifaceted impact, encompassing spiritual, cultural, economic, and ecological dimensions. By honoring traditional lifeways and reconnecting with ancestral practices, TTBP aims to facilitate holistic health and prosperity for Indigenous communities in Texas.

By December 31, 2026, expand our herd to one additional location.

Activities:

• Secure new Full-Time staff positions.

• Construct a USDA-certified processing facility to be used for field harvest & voluntary inspection.

• Grow a happy and healthy herd.

Measurement:

• Number of buffalo acquired.

• Acreage of land secured.

• Progress in establishing infrastructure.

• Annual reports on the health and growth of the buffalo herds.

By December 31, 2026, complete phase one of our sustainable energy systems work.

Activities:

• Develop a phased sustainable energy systems plan in late 2025, for launch in 2026.

• Hire sustainable energy systems program staff.

Measurement:

• Milestones achieved in the development and implementation of sustainable energy systems (e.g., installation of solar panels).

• Cost savings or return on investment from sustainable energy initiatives.

By December 31, 2026, establish partnerships to enhance access of buffalo meat in Indigenous communities.

Activities:

• Implement a schedule of meat donations to the community.

• Participate in Business of Indian Agriculture training at least annually.

• Secure a USDA contract to supply meat in schools.

• Secure a USDA contract to supply buffalo meat to federally recognized tribes.

• Complete the Regenerative Agriculture Curriculum.

• Develop a workforce certificate program for processors and butchers.

Measurement:

• Number and type of partnerships formed.

• Amount of buffalo meat provided to community partners.

• Feedback/testimonials regarding the impact of partnership/programming.

TTBP harnesses the regenerative power of bison as a means of ecological restoration, cultural revitalization, and resilience. Revered as Indigenous stewards of the land, bison hold a sacred place in the traditions and heritage of Indigenous peoples across the southern plains. By reintroducing bison to their ancestral lands, TTBP seeks to honor this legacy while actively contributing to the preservation of natural habitats and restoration of ecological balance. TTBP draws upon Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) to inform our conservation strategies, blending ancestral wisdom with modern technology to amplify our efforts.

TEK, the body of knowledge, practices, and beliefs held by Indigenous peoples, offers a holistic understanding of ecosystems, biodiversity, and the intricate relationships between humans and the natural world. As an Indigenous Buffalo Caretaker, TTBP is uniquely positioned to advance this work, integrating ancestral knowledge with contemporary conservation practices.

Central to our approach is the practice of rotational grazing, a traditional technique that promotes healthy grassland ecosystems and enhances soil carbon sequestration. Through grazing, buffalo stimulate plant growth and root development, leading to the accumulation of organic matter in the soil. As grasses photosynthesize, they draw carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, storing carbon in the soil and helping to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, the reintroduction of buffalo to southern plains facilitates ecosystem restoration, as their hooves aid in seed dispersal, soil aeration, and nutrient cycling, thereby promoting the recovery of native grasses and restoring ecological processes.

In addition to leveraging ancestral knowledge, TTBP harnesses modern technology to disseminate information and ensure equitable access to our products. Our online marketplace enables direct delivery to communities in need, while our platform for our regenerative agricultural curriculum will soon serve as a hub for accessing curriculum, oral histories, data, historical timelines, maps, and more. Additionally, we utilize our website to gather data specific to Texas Indigenous Lineal Descendants via a survey, informing our organization about the needs of the community so we can offer tailored programs. By intertwining ancestral wisdom with modern technology, TTBP strives to create a lasting impact.

Across the State of Texas.

New Mexico and Oklahoma.

TTBP’s solution team currently consists of eight full-time employees, two part-time employees, and four VISTA AmeriCorps Volunteers.

On March 23, 2024, TTBP celebrated its third anniversary of operation. Founded by our visionary CEO & Founder, Lucille R. Contreras, TTBP has flourished under her leadership. Serving alongside her is our esteemed Executive Director, Izel Lopez, whose tenure spans over two years, contributing significantly to the organization’s growth and impact. The TTBP has steadily grown to eight additional employees within the last year and a half, augmenting our capacity to engage supporters and scale our impact.

Native representation is fundamental throughout our organization, from our leadership to our staff, echoing our commitment to Indigenous values and leadership. While our primary focus is providing access to a healthy food system for Indigenous communities in Texas, our values of inclusivity extend to all individuals, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, or any other identifier. We actively welcome, serve, partner with, and collaborate with members of diverse backgrounds, recognizing the importance of diversity in enriching our organization.

At the helm of our organization, our board members embody traditional forms of Native Leadership and possess expertise in healthcare, genealogy, Tribal relations, herd management, and the food industry. Their role is to serve as a bridge between TTBP and the communities we serve, actively listening and responding to their needs, concerns, and suggestions. The board comprises three women identifying as Texas Lineal Descendants, Native American, and/or Two or More Races.

Our leadership structure, including our board and CEO, consists entirely of Indigenous individuals, ensuring that Indigenous perspectives guide our direction. Within our staff, a majority, 15 of 16, identify as Indigenous or of Two or More Races. Additionally, our service population primarily comprises Indigenous individuals, with approximately 80% of the approximately 1,450 individuals served by TTBP identifying as Texas Indigenous Lineal Descendants, Native American, and/or Two or More Races.

Our project intends to provide access to and establish a healthy food system for the Indigenous communities of Texas. However, our services are a direct reflection of Native values, which are inclusive of all peoples, regardless of race, sex, sexual orientation, or any other known identifiers. We support, service, partner, and collaborate with members of diverse backgrounds and identifying characteristics and wouldn’t have it any other way. Through our inclusive leadership, diverse staff, and commitment to equitable service delivery, TTBP strives to minimize barriers to opportunity and create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all team members and community members alike.

Our business model at the Texas Tribal Buffalo Project (TTBP) is deeply rooted in the resurgence of the American Bison, which once served as the lifeblood of our communities by providing food, shelter, clothing, medicine, and tools. After near extinction at the end of the 19th century, bison are experiencing a comeback, presenting a viable business opportunity for many. At TTBP, we are dedicated to facilitating this resurgence and promoting health and vitality to the land and people through our products and services.

The bison, as inherently indigenous stewards of the land, hold a profound significance for Indigenous peoples, serving as a symbol of cultural heritage, connection to our ancestors, and the land. We are committed to providing a space for Tribal people living on traditional Indigenous Texas Tribal lands to physically, culturally, and spiritually reconnect with our Buffalo relatives. To achieve this, TTBP has established itself as a reliable and affordable vendor, consistently providing bison meat through various sales channels, including farmers’ markets, powwows, cultural ceremonies, outreach fairs, and direct delivery to Indigenous communities. Additionally, we offer cultural and educational tours to educate people about the bison and the health benefits of bison meat, as well as providing a formal location for spending time with our Buffalo Relatives.

Through our services, we aim to meet the needs and preferences of our customer base while promoting health, cultural preservation, and environmental sustainability. Whether customers are seeking nutritious food options, cultural enrichment, or meaningful connections to the bison or land, TTBP strives to deliver value.

The Texas Tribal Buffalo Project (TTBP) has devised a comprehensive plan to achieve financial sustainability by diversifying our funding sources. This multifaceted approach encompasses grants, individual donations, philanthropic support, meat sales, and strategic fundraising campaigns and events. By leveraging various sources, we aim to mitigate the risks associated with dependency on any single donor or sector, ensuring our ability to navigate changing economic landscapes and evolving donor priorities while maintaining the continuity and success of our initiatives.

Here is how we are executing each strategy:

Grants: TTBP actively pursues funding opportunities from government agencies, philanthropic networks, and private foundations to sustain our operations. These grants cover essential expenses, including general operating costs, supplies supporting regenerative herd management, and program implementation. TTBP intends to secure additional government contracts or grants to construct a USDA-certified processing facility to be utilized for field harvest and voluntary inspection, to supply buffalo meat to federally recognized tribes in the region, and to supply buffalo meat to local school districts.

Meat Sales: TTBP generates revenue through farmers' markets, marketing at cultural events, ceremonies, and powwows, as well as through our online marketplace. Additionally, we have recently expanded our sales outreach directly to school districts, further diversifying our revenue streams and promoting access to nutritious bison meat within educational institutions.

Fundraising Campaigns & Events: TTBP actively engages in fundraising initiatives like Amplify Austin and Giving Tuesday, leveraging these opportunities to garner support and raise funds for our initiatives. Additionally, we have exciting plans in progress for upcoming campaigns, including an Adopt-a-Buffalo membership campaign, a Ranch-to-Table event, and a powwow, which will further amplify our efforts to secure financial resources and engage our community in our mission.

To date, TTBP has achieved significant milestones in securing support from key partners. Our collaboration with the United States Department of Agriculture has played a pivotal role in facilitating our operations and driving our growth trajectory. Moreover, strategic partnerships with esteemed entities like the Urban Indian Health Institute, Nature Conservancy, the First Nations Development Institute, and the Business of Indian Agriculture have yielded invaluable resources. These partnerships have facilitated buffalo acquisitions, provided essential promotional coverage, and granted access to a network of beginner farmers and ranchers, further bolstering our capacity to fulfill our mission and expand our impact.