The story unfolds in September 2007, a testament to unwavering devotion. Despite the chilling bite of the air and a sky heavy with the threat of snow, six individuals embarked on a pilgrimage into the very heart of Yellowstone National Park. Their destination: to offer prayers and reverence for the majestic buffalo, a creature deeply intertwined with their spiritual and cultural identity. This narrative recounts their journey, their connection with the land, and the profound experience of communing with the buffalo herd.
The group, composed of three men and three women, began their day amidst the everyday bustle of modern life. The rhythmic pulse of traffic served as an initial backdrop, a stark contrast to the serenity they sought. Their journey was punctuated by brief pauses at gas stations, necessary respites along the way. Encounters with forest ranger stations marked their entry into the park’s jurisdiction, and they navigated the predictable congestion caused by tourists eager to witness Yellowstone’s famed geothermal wonders and abundant wildlife. Their ultimate goal was to reach a specific location where a significant buffalo herd had congregated.
As they progressed deeper into the park, the roadside became a living gallery. Tourists lined the route, their cameras clicking and whirring, capturing images and videos of the buffalo grazing peacefully in a vast meadow. Undeterred by the spectacle, the group carefully maneuvered their vehicle through the throng of onlookers. Their purpose was not mere observation; they were driven by a deeper spiritual imperative, a need to be in the presence of these "sacred ones."
The narrative focuses on the physical act of approaching the buffalo. Marsha Frazier, her steps deliberate and steady, was assisted by Dr. Henrietta Mann. The two women, connected by mutual respect and purpose, supported each other as they ascended a rocky slope. John Potter, a carrier of tradition and rhythm, bore the weight of the drum, a vital instrument for their impending ceremony. The author, Shirley Bluejay Pierce, and her husband, Bear, followed closely behind, their senses heightened. With each step, they felt a palpable shift in the atmosphere, a tangible sense of anticipation and reverence as they drew nearer to the Pray for the Buffalo herd.
Scott, acting as a guide, led the group to a small, unassuming hill situated near the grazing buffalo. Here, each member found their own personal space, a connection point with the earth. As Shirley settled onto the uneven surface of the rocky slope, a memory surfaced, a teaching imparted by a wise Grandmother long ago. The Grandmother’s words echoed in her mind: "The ground is where all things began, and it is where all things will return at the end of their circle. When you sit upon the ground, you connect to the very beginning and the very end…like the circle in the web the spider makes." This profound connection to the earth, a grounding in the cyclical nature of existence, was central to their purpose.
Even amidst the distant hum of traffic and the oblivious wanderings of tourists, a sense of quietude began to envelop the group. Their focus shifted inward, their intention clear. The act of sitting, of being present on the land, facilitated a deeper communion with the environment and the animals that inhabited it.
John Potter, reflecting on the experience, shared his thoughts: "I don’t know how many years it’s been that I’ve joined Mr. and Mrs. Frazier in prayer and ceremony, with and for the Buffalo. It is always an honor. It’s what we are built for. Time and space fold in upon themselves in the presence of the Sacred. As we settled ourselves among the sage and bunchgrass, just apart from, yet so much a part of, the herd, we easily became centered in prayer with our elders." His words capture the timeless quality of the experience, the blurring of temporal boundaries in the presence of something truly sacred. He emphasizes the intrinsic connection between humans and nature, the feeling of being "built for" such moments of reverence and prayer.
The hand-drum, carefully prepared and imbued with intention, was brought forth. A song, born from a time of fasting and spiritual seeking in a nearby location, filled the air. The melody resonated with the land and the creatures that roamed it. The buffalo, seemingly receptive to the offering, responded in kind. They swayed gently, their massive bodies moving in rhythm with the music. Some rolled on the earth, their actions mirroring the song’s ebb and flow, creating a harmonious exchange between humans and animals.
The knowledge that some members of the Pray for the Buffalo herd might carry this song with them until their final days evoked a complex mix of emotions: hope, tinged with sadness. The hope stemmed from the possibility that the song, a symbol of connection and respect, would continue to resonate within them. The sadness acknowledged the inevitable cycle of life and death. But the day was considered a blessing, a moment of profound connection. Perhaps, the song would be passed down to the younger generations of buffalo, evolving and adapting as it became their own.
In that moment, time seemed to cease to exist. The individuals present – the Fraziers, Dr. Mann, Bluejay, Bear, and the buffalo – became one with the song, their individual identities merging into a collective expression of life and reverence. The prayer was that their songs would intertwine with their heartbeats, creating a unified rhythm, a "song of life" renewed and restored to oneness. The experience concluded with a heartfelt expression of gratitude: "Migwetch, ni bo wah."
The act of prayer for these magnificent animals, Pray for the Buffalo, is not just a ritual; it is a powerful act of remembrance, respect, and reconnection. It is a reminder of the deep and abiding bond between humanity and the natural world, a bond that requires constant nurturing and protection. The buffalo, as a symbol of resilience, abundance, and spiritual power, deserves our unwavering support and prayers. The journey into Yellowstone was more than just a trip; it was a pilgrimage of the heart, a testament to the enduring power of prayer and the importance of honoring the sacredness of all life. The story serves as an inspiration, encouraging others to seek out their own connections with nature and to offer their own prayers for the well-being of the earth and all its creatures.