Five Short generations ago, our Indigenous ancestors were disappearing; so were the Bison.

Many of our ancestors were casualties of the European diseases introduced during the Spanish northern expansion in the 1600’s; more were casualties of the American western expansion in the 1800’s.  Later, more died during the Republic of Texas Indian Eradication Policy of the 1840’s.  Today, many Texas historians declare us extinct.

Although our people are not extinct, we are Rare and Endangered.  The buffalo nation, however, did not survive the chaos of those times here in our homeland.

Only the memories of the bison were passed on from generation to generation.  Stories of a lifestyle where our people lived in harmony with the bison are still with us.

Today, as the Spiritual Leader of the Rio Grande NAC, I am much honored to say that we are starting to relearn our language, our ceremonial songs, and our dances.  We also have access to Kop, our most sacred medicine (Peyote) as well as to Wa Ka Te, our 4-legged brothers and sisters, the Buffalo Nation.

As we move towards the restoration of our culture, we realize that this sacred undertaking cannot be fully accomplished alone.  Rio Grande NAC needs help with the development and formalization of our language, acquiring homeland where our medicine grows, and, most important, ensuring that our Bison families always have proper food and water.

If you would like to support the restoration and preservation of an Indigenous American Culture send your contributions to the Rio Grande NAC care of the undersigned.

  Katawan, Herrera, Rió Grande NAC

  P.O. Box 460346

  San Antonio, TX 78246