Uses of Buffalo Tókheškhe Tȟatȟáŋka Wičháuŋpi

Buffalo played a central role in Lakota life. The Lakota’s nomadic lifestyle revolved around the buffalo, as a village would follow the buffalo herds across the plains. Buffalo provided many of the essential items that a tribe needed for survival. To the Lakota, buffalo are a gift from the Creator. As such, the Lakota were committed to using every part of the buffalo and being sure nothing went to waste. You probably know that the Lakota hunted buffalo for food and hides, but do you know what else the Lakota used and made from the buffalo? Lakȟól wičhóuŋ na wičhóȟ’aŋ él, tȟatȟáŋka kiŋháŋ čhokáta yaŋké. Oyáte kiŋ iglág úŋpi k’uŋ héhaŋ, pté optáye hená é čha obláye ópta otȟáb wičháuŋpi. Tȟatȟáŋka etáŋhaŋ táku óta uŋ nípi čha eyášna ičúpi. Na Wakȟáŋtȟaŋka átayela wówauŋšila uŋ wičhák’u čha wičálapi. Hé uŋ, tȟaŋčháŋ etáŋhaŋ táku k’éyaš ilágyapi na tákuni otúya iȟpéyapi šni. Tȟaló kiŋ yútapi na tȟahá kiŋ hayápi, na tókheškhe nakúŋ tȟatȟáŋka tȟaŋčháŋ kiŋ wičháuŋpi he?