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http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050519/FEAT05/50
5190397/1023

Buffalo: A new tribal role
May 19, 2005
By Ben Shouse
The (Sioux Falls, S.D.) Argus-Leader


Buffalo on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation roam over the open plains
west of the Missouri River.

SWIFT BIRD, S.D. — The return of the buffalo to the Great Plains is no
longer in doubt. Herds are growing, bison ranching is profitable — even
the buffalo nickel is back.

The return is especially significant for American Indians and for one
tribally owned buffalo meat plant in South Dakota, which is getting its
first taste of success.

Pte Hca Ka Inc. — as the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe's buffalo program is
known — slaughtered, processed and sold $1 million worth of buffalo and
beef last year, according to director Roy Lemmon.

Last month, it broke ground on an addition that could increase sales to
anywhere from $2 million to $5 million a year.

Fred DuBray, who founded the Cheyenne River program, said the plant could
become a model for similar operations nationwide.

But some say meat production detracts from the herd's original purpose.
"It's really changed the focus of the buffalo herd from a
cultural-ecological preservation program to a totally buffalo-ranching
situation, and it's not acceptable to a lot of us," said Jim Garrett, a
former member of the program's board of directors.

DuBray understands.

"If we can keep the spiritual part intact, then the economic part will
follow," he said. "If you lose that value of respect, and it just becomes a
commodity, and the only thing that makes a difference is to make a quick
buck, then that respect goes down the tubes."