The American Bison
Approximately 25,000 years ago, the genus bison (buffalo) passed from Asia over the Bering Strait Land Bridge to North America. They adapted well to the environment of the North American Great Plains and flourished in huge numbers. Surely there was never a shortage of food for the Indians who inhabited these great grasslands.
The Plains Indians (including the Lords of the Plains, the Comanche) lived very well during those days. The bison was not only his main diet, but also provided materials for shelter and clothing. The staples of his life were all derived from the bison. The bison was their way of life, their blood, their culture and their future. Only the Great Spirit himself was put above the bison.
Virtually every portion of the bison was used by the Indians. There were numerous ways to prepare bison meat for consumption. The hides became footwear, clothing and shelter. Sinew was used for sewing and binding. The bones were utilized as tools. There was practically no aspect of Indian life in which the bison did not play a part, and practically no part of the bison which was not used in Indian life.
In the late 1800s, the bison were almost extinct because of mass slaughter by the white man. Fewer than 300 animals were all that remained of the millions that once roamed North America. But thanks to some early pioneer ranchers who began to replenish the herds through closely guarded breeding programs, bison are once again prolific and have reached a number that exceeds 200,000 in North America alone. Let us reintroduce you to the North American bison, nature's number one environmentalist, America's most historic animal. He won the trust of early settlers, and has lived up to the name given him by the great Sioux Nation, "Tatonka, the Spirit."
For more information concerning the North American bison, contact the Texas Bison Growers Association at Box 579, Santa Anna, Texas 76878, or call (972) 276-9511.
