Honoring Lakota Beliefs
How You Can Show Respect for the Sacred White Buffalo
By Mike Mankiewicz
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Throughout my travels, I have learned that when trying to share important information, it is best to try an approach that resonates with the listener.
How to share this with your teenager, their friends, and beyond?
Hey guys, I just heard about something really cool and important: a rare white buffalo calf that was born in Yellowstone National Park. This isn’t just any baby bison; it has deep cultural and spiritual significance for the Lakota people.
And now that I see your eyes rolling, let me ask you this.
What if I wanted to tell you about a TV show starring Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya as the leaders of a group of friends who stumble upon the birth of the rare white buffalo calf in Yellowstone? They want to learn about its significance and embark on a journey to honor and protect the calf, uncovering lessons about nature, culture, and community along the way.
Episode 1
In the first episode, they discover that the white buffalo is a sacred symbol for the Lakota and several other Native American tribes. According to a legend from 2,000 years ago, a mysterious woman known as the White Buffalo Calf Woman appeared during hard times. She brought a sacred pipe and bundle, promising to return one day as a white buffalo calf when times were tough again.
The white buffalo calf is named “Wakan Gli,” which means “Return Sacred” in Lakota. This event is seen as a reminder to take better care of the Earth and unite with positive energy.
By the way, if Timothée Chalamet or Zendaya don’t resonate with you, imagine Meryl Streep, Demi Moore, Emma Watson, Tom Hanks, Denzel Washington, or Ryan Reynolds in their prime. Each generation can find their own connection to the story.
Find Yourself in Our Group of Friends
The group of friends our show focuses on includes:
- Alex: The leader who’s passionate about nature and history. He sees it as his mission to understand and protect the white buffalo.
- Emma: Curious and intelligent. Emma loves animals and has a knack for solving problems.
- Liam: Tech-savvy. Liam documents their adventures and spreads awareness on social media.
- Sophie: Spirited and creative. She connects on a deeper level with the culture and traditions they uncover.
- Nathan: The athletic and resourceful member who provides physical support in tight spots.
- Chief Arvol Looking Horse: The wise Lakota spiritual leader who teaches the group that the white buffalo calf’s appearance is both a blessing and warning.
- Jordan Creech: The park guide who helps the group navigate Yellowstone and understand the natural environment.
- Erin Braaten: A photographer who captures images of the white buffalo and assists the group with her knowledge and resources.
I know you were expecting a gunfight, a few car chases, or maybe even a budding romance by now, but stay with me.
Future Episodes
In future episodes, our group embarks on many adventures and encounters various challenges. Here’s a glimpse of what’s to come:
Natural Challenges: They face challenges from natural hazards and predators, learning about conservation efforts and the importance of respecting nature.
The Search: The white buffalo goes missing, and the group bands together to find it, highlighting teamwork and resilience.
Cultural Lessons: Each member begins to truly understand the significance of White Buffalo Calf Woman and her message of returning during hard times, emphasizing the need to take care of our planet.
Simple Actions: The show emphasizes that simple actions like recycling, conserving water, and picking up litter can make a big difference. It also explores valuable information from the Lakota, Sioux, Northern Arapaho, Shoshone-Bannock, and Colville Tribes on respecting and caring for our world.
Cultural Events: These showcase Native American cultural events, which provide a deeper understanding of their traditions and values and feature awesome dancing, music, and food.
Supporting Causes: The group joins organizations that support Native American causes, working to preserve culture and protect sacred lands through donations, volunteering, and spreading awareness.
Respecting Traditions: They learn to never use sacred symbols or attire as fashion statements, always approaching cultural elements with respect and understanding.
Nature and Legends: Each episode incorporates elements of Native American traditions and legends while showcasing the natural beauty of Yellowstone. You could also add a Yellowstone obstacle course challenge and call it American Native Warrior, because those ninjas have got nothing on you!
Why It Matters
Honoring the beliefs surrounding the white buffalo is about more than just respecting a legend. It’s about recognizing the importance of cultural diversity and the wisdom that different traditions bring to our understanding of the world. It’s a reminder that we all share the responsibility of taking care of our planet.
By learning about and respecting the significance of the white buffalo calf, we can honor Lakota beliefs in meaningful ways. So, the next time you’re out in nature or considering how to be more environmentally friendly, remember Wakan Gli and the important message it carries. Let’s all bring that good energy back together!
Join the Movie and Television Climate Warriors
OK, so I’m not Kevin Costner. But I hope I helped lay the groundwork or at least planted a seed (pun intended) to inspire you. Did my important information resonate with you, or is it just a cute idea that will never get off the ground? That might have been what Lydia Dean Pilcher, founder of Cine Mosaic, and Emellie O’Brien, founder and CEO of Earth Angel, once thought too. The list of leaders in the industry to draw inspiration from grows every day. Care to join the warriors?
