For Plains tribes like the , the buffalo was not just an animal but a "relative" and a sacred gift from the Creator.
: Between 1820 and 1880, the buffalo population plummeted from an estimated 30–60 million to fewer than 1,000. buffalo indian
: The buffalo represents self-sacrifice, strength, and abundance. In Lakota tradition, the White Buffalo Calf Woman is a primary cultural prophet who brought sacred rites and the peace pipe to the people. For Plains tribes like the , the buffalo
In the 19th century, the relationship between Indigenous peoples and buffalo was deliberately targeted by European settlers and the U.S. government. In Lakota tradition, the White Buffalo Calf Woman
: The buffalo provided for every human need. Its meat was a primary food source; its hide provided clothing and tipis; and its bones and sinew were crafted into tools, weapons, and thread.
: Many tribes have unique names for the buffalo that reflect its power, such as Tatáŋka (Lakota), Iiniiwa (Blackfoot), and Hotoa'e (Cheyenne). 2. Historical Impact and Near-Extinction