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Bison Ranch

Manager Tom Frederick

Antelope Lake Campus • P.O. Box 105

Mission, South Dakota 57555

 

(605) 856-8100

(605) 856-8532

(605) 856-4194 FAX

 

Download a brochure (PDF)

SGU is among the fewtribal universities in the nation with its own bison ranch and herd, with which the University is leading the nation in research centering on bison, traditional Lakota buffalo ceremonies, curriculum development and sustainable, culturally-appropriate and environmentally-safe economic development.

Culture

From the earliest times, the Pte Oyate (Buffalo Nation) have provided sustenance to the Lakota Oyate, sacrificing themselves so that their relatives might live.

After the devastating buffalo slaughters of the 19th century, Lakota people were forced to settle on reservations with no access to old hunting grounds or the ability to travel to obtain buffalo, the primary source of housing, food, clothing, tools, and a central ingredient of ceremonial, social and spiritual life. Their way of life suffered, as did their health.

Today the buffalo are returning, slowly, with the help of the Lakota Oyate, prompting a revitalization of culture, ceremonies, needed dietary sustenance, and economic development. With the return of the Pte Oyate, strength is also returning to the Lakota Oyate. It is hoped that the knowledge and reciprocal relationship between the two nations can live on, for future generations.

The Ranch

We Welcome visitors from all over the world each year to the University and Ranch. We are glad to show you our campus and ranch with a tour by appointment. Hide-tanning classes are held each summer.

Products at Bookstore

We encourage you to browse and shop in the SGU Bookstore & Gift Shop on the University’s Main Campus. We offer many Lakota-made items and sell Bison Jerky produced from the SGU herd, one of our most popular items. We offer 2 oz. packages of Whole Muscle USDA Approved Jerky and various cuts of Bison Meat for sale. Contact us for pricing and shipping costs.