By Tana Blackmore, founder and designer

The American Bison was the icon of life for the Native American.  The bison fed the people…body, mind and spirit.  They have been the source of my inspiration.  They have been my teachers, my friends, my champions. 

I knew virtually nothing about buffalo when I received three orphan calves for Christmas in 1996.  A successful career as a designer in New York and Denver behind me, I returned to my childhood home, a ranch in the mountains of Montana.   I remain humbled and spellbound by the events that have evolved since then.  I wish to share many of these stories with you that you may also know the generosity, the wisdom and the love, yes, the love, buffalo so unconditionally give.  They have taught me to laugh, cry with joy and pay attention to the beauty in the world around me. As with any great revelation, we are inspired to share it… I am compelled for many reasons.

Today we speak of sustainability and renewable resources.  Our native forefathers understood and practiced this for survival and in gratitude for the gifts nature offered.  The buffalo meant so much more than just survival.

I was inspired and coached by two women, Annette Graener and Gisela Bodrke and their cottage businesses.  Annette has been weaving buffalo wool for over 34 years.  “You weave with buffalo out of love,” she says. “It’s a very fine and sacred animal”
Gisela has been making jewelry from bison horn for many years.  Through the generosity of their time and wisdom I began the journey of designing jewelry and blankets to carry our story to the world.

In gratitude for "all" the buffalo gives us… Native Vogue brings you natural and exquisite jewelry made from bison horn and sterling silver… bison wool blankets and weavings and so much more. 

Revisit our site often to read our stories, follow our adventures as we move across America and now into Europe.

To learn more about Tana, the buffalo preserve, the ranch in Montana and her foundation, Sacred Ground International, go to:
www.sacredgroundintl.org.

This is an opportunity to participate and contribute to the preservation and greater awareness of the American Buffalo.  Proceeds from Native Vogue support and enrich this endeavor.