HELENA, Mont. — The recent birth of a rare white buffalo calf in Yellowstone National Park has fulfilled a Lakota prophecy, signaling hope for better times while also underscoring the urgent need for environmental protection, according to members of the American Indian tribe.

“The birth of this calf is both a blessing and a warning. We must do more,” said Chief Arvol Looking Horse, the spiritual leader of the Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota Oyate in South Dakota, and the 19th keeper of the sacred White Buffalo Calf Woman Pipe and Bundle.

Sacred Significance and Environmental Context

The arrival of the sacred calf coincides with a challenging period for Yellowstone’s bison population. A severe winter in 2023 forced thousands of bison, also known as buffalo, to lower elevations in search of food. Consequently, more than 1,500 bison were killed, sent to slaughter, or transferred to tribes reclaiming stewardship over the animal, a key component of their ancestral heritage.

Discovery of the White Buffalo Calf

The white buffalo calf was spotted by Erin Braaten of Kalispell on June 4 in the Lamar Valley, located in the northeastern corner of Yellowstone. While visiting the park with her family, Braaten noticed “something really white” among a herd of bison across the Lamar River. Traffic halted as bison crossed the road, giving Braaten the opportunity to take a closer look with her telephoto lens.

“I look and it's this white bison calf. And I was just totally, totally floored,” she said. Braaten and her family observed the calf and its mother for 30 to 45 minutes before they moved into the willows. Despite returning to the spot over the next two days, Braaten did not see the white calf again.

Cultural and Spiritual Significance

For the Lakota, the birth of a white buffalo calf with a black nose, eyes, and hooves is an event of profound spiritual importance, comparable to the second coming of Jesus Christ, according to Chief Looking Horse. Lakota legend tells of White Buffalo Calf Woman, who appeared around 2,000 years ago during a time of great hardship. She presented a sacred pipe and bundle, teaching the tribe how to pray and bring buffalo to the area for sustenance. As she departed, she transformed into a white buffalo calf, promising to return during difficult times.

“Some day when the times are hard again,” Looking Horse said, “I shall return and stand upon the earth as a white buffalo calf, black nose, black eyes, black hooves.”

Confirmation of the Calf's Rarity

Troy Heinert, the executive director of the South Dakota-based InterTribal Buffalo Council, affirmed that the calf in Braaten's photos appears to be a true white buffalo due to its black nose, hooves, and eyes. An albino buffalo would have pink eyes, which this calf does not.

A naming ceremony has been held for the Yellowstone calf, though the name has not been disclosed. A celebration of the calf's birth is scheduled for June 26 at the Buffalo Field Campaign headquarters in West Yellowstone. Other tribes also hold the white buffalo in high regard, each with its own stories about the animal’s sacred significance.

Historical Context and Conservation Efforts

White buffalo births are exceptionally rare, with one notable birth in Wisconsin in 1994, named Miracle. Jim Matheson, executive director of the National Bison Association, noted that no comprehensive records exist to quantify the frequency of white buffalo births, making it difficult to determine how often they occur.

Despite the lack of specific data, the significance of the white buffalo resonates deeply with Native American tribes and conservationists. In the U.S., about 80 tribes manage over 20,000 bison, a number that has been increasing in recent years.

Yellowstone Bison Management

In Yellowstone, the culling or relocation of bison is a regular practice each winter to maintain herd sizes, as per an agreement between federal and Montana agencies. The current target is around 5,000 bison, though Yellowstone officials recently proposed increasing the population to up to 6,000. However, Montana ranchers and Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte oppose increasing the herd size, advocating for a target of no more than 3,000 bison.

Challenges and Controversies

The management of Yellowstone’s bison population remains contentious. The severe winter of 2023 highlighted the challenges of maintaining a balance between conservation efforts and the demands of ranchers and local communities. The proposal to increase the bison population has been met with resistance from ranchers who fear the spread of brucellosis, a disease that can be transmitted from bison to cattle, potentially affecting livestock health and the agricultural economy.

Call to Action

Heinert sees the birth of the white buffalo calf as a powerful reminder to live respectfully and protect the environment. “We need to live in a good way and treat others with respect,” he said. “I hope that calf is safe and gonna live its best life in Yellowstone National Park, exactly where it was designed to be.”

Chief Looking Horse echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the broader implications of the calf’s birth. “This is a message that we must heed. The earth and its creatures need our protection and care. We must honor this sacred event by committing to greater stewardship of our environment.”

Broader Environmental and Cultural Impact

The birth of this rare white buffalo calf is a poignant event for the Lakota and other tribes, symbolizing both hope and a call to action for greater environmental stewardship. It serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of cultural heritage, wildlife conservation, and environmental responsibility. As Yellowstone and the wider conservation community reflect on this event, it emphasizes the need for continued efforts to protect and preserve the natural world for future generations.

Future Steps

The Lakota and other tribes involved in bison conservation are likely to use this event to advocate for stronger protections and better management practices for bison populations. The celebration of the calf's birth will bring together tribal leaders, conservationists, and community members to discuss ongoing efforts and future strategies to ensure the survival and well-being of bison herds across North America.

Conclusion

The birth of the white buffalo calf in Yellowstone National Park is a significant event that resonates deeply with the Lakota and other tribes. It highlights the importance of cultural traditions and the urgent need for environmental protection. As the story of the white buffalo calf spreads, it serves as an inspiration for all to respect and care for the earth and its inhabitants.