A prophecy. A sacred promise. A return.
Long ago, when the Lakota people were struggling, Ptesáŋwiŋ—the White Buffalo Calf Woman—appeared. She brought them the Čhaŋúnuŋpa, the sacred pipe, and teachings of harmony, respect, and balance with the Earth. (Full story The Legend of the White Buffalo Woman : Aktá Lakota Museum & Cultural Center)
As she departed, she transformed into a white buffalo calf, signifying her connection to the buffalo and her promise to come back in times of need. This transformation is interpreted as a sign that her return would be heralded by the birth of a white buffalo calf, symbolizing a period of renewal and spiritual harmony.
On June 4, 2024, in Yellowstone’s Lamar Valley, a white buffalo calf was born—Wakan Gli, meaning “Sacred Return” in Lakota. A one-in-a-million birth, this event carries the weight of history and prophecy. (Tribes honor the birth of rare white buffalo and reveal its name: Wakan Gli : NPR)
For centuries, the Lakota and other Indigenous Nations have honored the buffalo as sacred relatives, a giver of life, and a bridge between the physical and spiritual worlds. But in the late 1800s, millions of buffalo were slaughtered—not for survival, but for control. By 1900, only 325 remained, their near-eradication tied to the destruction of Indigenous ways of life and the stolen lands of the Black Hills.
The Massacre of the Buffalo & the Broken Treaty
The buffalo were more than a source of food and materials for the Lakota; they were an integral part of their spiritual and physical survival. When settlers expanded westward, the U.S. government and railroad companies sponsored mass hunts to weaken the Indigenous nations who depended on the buffalo. Hunters shot buffalo from trains, skinned them for coats, and left their bodies to rot. Between 1872 and 1874, one railroad company alone shipped 500,000 buffalo hides east. U.S. Buffalo Slaughter Summarized In One Shocking Photo
By 1900, fewer than 325 buffalo remained—a species nearly wiped from the Earth. The land where they once roamed freely, including the Black Hills, was stolen, despite the 1868 Treaty of Fort Laramie, which guaranteed Lakota sovereignty over the region. This treaty was broken when gold was discovered, and Indigenous people were pushed off their lands.
The Survival & Return of the Buffalo
Yet, the buffalo survived. Through conservation efforts and Indigenous-led initiatives, their numbers have grown to approximately 500,000 today, but fewer than 20,000 remain truly wild and free-roaming. The largest protected herd is in Yellowstone National Park, home to about 6,000 buffalo. Other herds are managed by Indigenous tribes, wildlife organizations, and ranchers.
The Birth of Wakan Gli & Its Meaning
On June 26, 2024, a sacred naming ceremony was held near Yellowstone. Over 500 people gathered to honor Wakan Gli. Chief Arvol Looking Horse, the 19th Generation Keeper of the Sacred Pipe, spoke these words:
"It shouldn’t happen in our time, but it did. Now, we must come together and bring that good energy back."
This birth is not just about one calf. It is a sign of renewal, a reminder of the Lakota prophecy, and a call to restore balance, protect the land, and honor Indigenous wisdom.
Enjoy.
Love Danielle x
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