The Wolakota Buffalo Range — located in south central South Dakota and established by the economic development arm of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe — is seeking a Range Manager for immediate hire. Candidates with bison handling experience should send a resume, along with a brief explanation of why this opportunity interests them to wolakota@sicangucorp.com. This project is an opportunity to get in at the ground level of an ambitious and innovative initiative to convert 28,000 acres from cattle land to a buffalo range in order to benefit the land and people of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. This position will require relocation, with residence at on-site, provided housing strongly preferred.

More information and a full job description can be found at www.rosebudbuffalo.org. Call (715) 896-1051 or email wolakota@sicangucorp.com with questions.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in agricultural, horticultural, land or animal management, agronomy or related subject preferred
• Minimum five years of applicable experience
• Commitment to low-stress handling and 100% grass-fed operations
• Valid Driver’s License and reliable transportation, with CDL preferred
• Willingness to learn Indigenous plains culture specific to bison handling and management 
• Willingness to learn Native grassland restoration methodology and practices. 
• Appreciation and respect for Lakota knowledge, lifeways, and culture
• Demonstrated ability to operate small farm machinery
• Strong written communication skills
• Ability to effectively manage a small team
• Strong workplace ethic and values
• Willingness to work in a remote location, willingness to live on-site in upgraded housing preferred

The Rosebud Economic Development Corporation (REDCO) is the wholly owned economic development arm of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe and maintains tax-exempt, non-profit status. As Lakota, we believe we are all related and it is our duty to create a better world for future generations. Our mission at REDCO is to achieve this by developing amazing leaders who run great organizations. We employ a multi-faceted, holistic approach to improving economic outcomes and eliminating poverty on the Rosebud Reservation. More information can be found on our website.

At REDCO, we are bringing Tatanka back to the people as a way to realize our vision of a healthy, helpful, and safe Oyate (nation). We have secured a 15-year lease on a 27,000 acre property on Rosebud Sioux Tribal Lands and have partnered with industry-leading organizations to develop a plan to create a Native-owned and operated buffalo range and wildlife sanctuary. The range will generate revenue by selling grass-fed, humanely raised, surplus bison to like-minded customers. Additionally, we will explore value-added ventures such as a processing plant, cultural and ecotourism, and educational outreach.

More information and a full job description can be found at www.rosebudbuffalo.org. Call (715) 896-1051 or email wolakota@sicangucorp.com with questions.

Francie M Berg

Author of the Buffalo Tales &Trails blog

The National Bison Association has announced that due to the COVID-19 outbreak the Annual 2020 Summer Conference planned for June 21-23 in Little America, Wyoming, is postponed. The Rocky Mountain Bison Association, slated to be regional hosts, has agreed to host the 2021 Summer conference instead.

The NBA executive committee, which recently met with a conference call and unanimously voted to postpone the event, is now planning to sponsor a virtual bison learning seminar in lieu of the conference. Details to be announced. The leadership thanks NBA members for understanding and wishes everyone good health and safety in these difficult times. For more information, visit bisoncentral.com, or contact jim@bisoncentral.ccsend.com, National Bison Association, 8690 Wolff Court #200, Westminster, CO 80031.

Francie M Berg

Author of the Buffalo Tales &Trails blog

Dave Carter has served U.S. bison ranchers, marketers and supporters for nearly two decades. Under his leadership, NBA has forged strong relationships with key agencies in the U.S. Department of Agriculture and agricultural leaders on Capitol Hill.

DENVER, CO (January 31, 2020) – The National Buffalo Foundation has inducted Dave Carter, executive director of the Westminster, CO-based National Bison Association (NBA), as the 31^st member of the National Buffalo Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame is housed in the National Buffalo Museum in Jamestown, ND.

The induction was announced in a surprise ceremony during the closing banquet of the National Bison Association’s 25^th anniversary convention in Denver in late January.

Carter has served as the bison association’s executive director since 2001. During that time, the U.S. bison business recovered from a devastating downturn in 2000, and has grown into a strong steady sector of agriculture. Carter has aggressively promoted the health, environmental and culinary benefits of bison meat to the American public throughout his tenure as executive director.

Carter has also increased the National Bison Association’s presence in Washington, D.C. Under his leadership, the association has forged strong relationships with key agencies in the U.S. Department of Agriculture and agricultural leaders on Capitol Hill. In 2012, Carter linked the NBA with leaders of the InterTribal Buffalo Council and the Wildlife Conservation Society in a four-year legislative campaign that resulted in bison being formally designated as the National Mammal of the United States in 2016. He is currently working with key Senators and Representatives to pass the Truth in Water Buffalo Labeling Bill, which would halt deceptively labeled water buffalo meat and food ingredients from being sold in the United States.

The plaque honoring Carter in the Hall of Fame reads, “For close to two decades, Dave has guided the bison industry in an extraordinary way through good times and not so good times. He continuously places a bright light on the American bison to the public, the producers, the conservationists, the native community, and those in government who need to hear his message.”

Cecil Miskin, president of the National Buffalo Foundation, noted,” Our hats are off and our hearts are proud. Dave Carter is truly the best friend bison has had in this century.”

In addition to serving as executive director of the National Bison Association, Carter and his wife, Sue, actively maintain a small herd of bison which they operate in partnership with three other herds in eastern Colorado.

Carter joins 29 inductees in the Hall of Fame, including Charles Goodnight, Teddy Roosevelt and nine additional historical figures, as well as Ted Turner and 18 other contemporary bison champions. Goodnight was among the ranchers who helped bring bison back from extinction in the late 1800s. Turner has played a pivotal role in the modern restoration of bison.

The National Bison Association, founded in 1995, represents nearly 1,200 ranchers, marketers and bison enthusiasts in 48 states and 10 foreign countries. The National Buffalo Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to bison research and education.

Jan. 31, 2020 News Release National Bison Association

Francie M Berg

Author of the Buffalo Tales &Trails blog

Francie M Berg

Author of the Buffalo Tales &Trails blog