In a remarkable event that has captivated the hearts and minds of many, a rare white buffalo calf was born earlier this month in Yellowstone National Park. This extraordinary birth has not only drawn attention due to its rarity but also because of its profound spiritual significance to Native American tribes. The calf has been named Wakan Gli, which translates to “Return Sacred” in Lakota, a name bestowed upon it during a sacred ceremony attended by hundreds of people.
The birth of Wakan Gli is seen as a momentous occasion, fulfilling a prophecy held dear by several Native American tribes. The naming ceremony, held at the Buffalo Field Campaign headquarters in West Yellowstone, Montana, was a vibrant affair featuring traditional dancing, drumming, singing, and the retelling of the White Buffalo Calf Woman prophecy. This prophecy speaks of a mysterious woman who brought a message of hope and reassurance during difficult times, promising to return as a white buffalo calf when the world needed healing.
Chief Arvol Looking Horse, a spiritual leader of the Lakota people and the 19th keeper of the sacred White Buffalo Calf Woman Pipe and Bundle, led the ceremony. He emphasized the dual nature of the calf’s birth as both a blessing and a warning. “It’s up to each and every one of you to make it happen for the future of our children. We must come together and bring that good energy back,” he urged the attendees.
The ceremony saw the participation of around 500 people, including representatives from the Colville Tribes in Washington, Lakota and Sioux in the Dakotas, Northern Arapaho in Wyoming, and Shoshone-Bannock in Idaho. The event underscored the unity and shared reverence for the white buffalo among various tribes.
The white buffalo calf, born in Yellowstone’s Lamar Valley, has been a rare sight. Only a few individuals have had the privilege of seeing it, and even fewer have managed to capture its image. One such person is Erin Braaten, a Montana photographer who was on a family vacation in Yellowstone when she spotted the calf. Initially mistaking it for a coyote, she was astonished to realize it was a white bison calf. “Capturing this photo is like one of those things you kind of daydream about and think, ‘Oh, that would be kind of cool to take a picture of,’ but never really expected to get a chance,” Braaten shared.
Despite the excitement surrounding its birth, the calf has not been seen since early June. Yellowstone officials have been monitoring the situation but have yet to confirm the calf’s presence. “Yellowstone is aware of and has been watching the social media posts and media stories about the sightings. We cannot confirm at this time if a white bison calf was born in the park,” a Yellowstone official stated.
The birth of Wakan Gli is considered a miracle by the Lakota people and other Native American tribes. To them, the appearance of a white buffalo calf is both the fulfillment of a sacred prophecy and a call to action to take better care of the Earth. The prophecy dates back approximately 2,000 years, during a time when food was scarce, and bison were disappearing. According to the legend, the White Buffalo Calf Woman appeared and presented a sacred pipe and bundle to a tribal member, promising that the pipe could be used to bring buffalo to the area for sustenance. As she departed, she transformed into a white buffalo calf, vowing to return when times were hard again.
Chief Arvol Looking Horse reflected on the significance of the calf’s birth, noting that it comes at a time when the Earth is facing numerous challenges. “This is a very momentous time in our history when this white buffalo calf with black nose, black eyes, black hooves is born,” he said. The prophecy serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of all life and the importance of protecting the environment.
White buffalo calves are extremely rare, especially in the wild. While white calves can occasionally be found on buffalo ranches due to interbreeding with cattle, a white bison in nature is a rarity of another level. Yellowstone, the continent’s largest wild reserve of bison, has no known record of a white bison being born in recent memory, if ever.
The birth of Wakan Gli follows a severe winter in 2023 that drove thousands of Yellowstone buffalo to lower elevations, resulting in the death, slaughter, or transfer of over 1,500 bison. This event has further highlighted the need for conservation efforts and the protection of these majestic animals.
Jordan Creech, a guide in Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks, was one of the few people who captured images of the white buffalo calf. He described the experience as “amazing timing,” having witnessed the calf’s birth near the Lamar River. Despite the initial excitement, the calf has remained elusive, adding to the mystery and significance of its appearance.
The birth of Wakan Gli is a powerful reminder of the sacred connection between humans and nature. It calls for a renewed commitment to environmental stewardship and the preservation of cultural heritage. As Chief Arvol Looking Horse poignantly stated, “We’re here to honor Unci Maka, Mother Earth, and when she dies, we die.”
The story of Wakan Gli, the rare white buffalo calf, continues to inspire and resonate with people around the world, serving as a symbol of hope, unity, and the enduring bond between humanity and the natural world.
Source: Associated Press, Fox News Digital, Scripps Media, Inc.
