New home to roam
Ceremony welcomes white buffalo to sanctuary FARMINGTON – In a traditional ceremony by American Indians, the sacred white buffalo named Kenahkihinen was welcomed to his new home at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort & Spa Saturday. Owners Joe Hardy and Maggie Hardy-Magerko purchased the bison, along with a black buffalo, when the Woodland Zoo in Farmington closed last month.
The unique white buffalo, considered “sacred” by American Indians, was born at the Woodland Zoo on Nov. 12, 2006, and just Thursday celebrated his third birthday. Although grown in weight tremendously over the past three years, the white buffalo, as tradition carries for a “sacred” cow, is now turning from his original white fur to yellow, which will then turn red, black, and eventually return to its white color.
The buffalo sanctuary is established on the sprawling grounds of the resort along Millioke Meadow Road. Future plans at the resort include the establishment of an American Indian interpretive center.
The giving of gifts and words of appreciation were exchanged between members of the Lakota tribe, thanking the Hardy family for opening their hearts and grounds to care for the white buffalo, whose name means “watch over us.” The white bison shares his new home with the black buffalo, born at the same zoo in 2007.
Named “Lightning” and “Thunder,” respectively, the two buffalos were oblivious to the happenings Saturday, resting in a wooden sty overlooking the ceremonial site. The drum sounds and singing of Indian dance songs brought the two bisons upright, in a seemingly attempt to take part in the festivities, followed with strolls around their confine, continuously looking toward the 200 or so gathered to take part.
Mike “Hawk” Goodfire, who was appointed by the Lakota tribe as caretaker of the white buffalo shortly after its birth, led the program that included talks from several elder members of the tribe.
Joe Hardy said he was impressed with the showing of the American Indians and their dedication.
“This is phenomenal” said Hardy. “I am impressed. This is such a great day for all of us.”
To show their appreciation, Hardy was given a feather from a bald eagle, symbolic of the highest honor a person can receive, as well as Indian blankets.
Several American Indians traveled from all over the United States to take part, including Nagi White Owl, ambassador of the Sovereign Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, who spoke of “respect” as a strong basis for the world coming together.
“We need to open our eyes, our ears and our hearts and come together to respect all,” she said. “The white buffalo born to white nations means fulfillment, a coming together of all nations.
The ceremony included ceremonial songs with dances for men and women, concluding with a circle dance signifying togetherness.
The belief of the sacred white buffalo comes from the American Indian legend of the White Buffalo Woman, the prophetess who was sent to her people by the Creator to teach them how to communicate with the deity through the prayer pipe. She appeared in a vision to two Sioux Indian scouts many years ago, promising them help to begin a process of developing a sacred regard for themselves and for others. When she left the scouts, promising to return again, she transformed in a buffalo calf of different colors – yellow, red, brown and black. The birth of the white buffalo would signal her return.
When the white buffalo calf was born at Woodland Zoo, news of its birth quickly spread throughout the American Indian communities. The naming ceremony was held in December 2006 and attended by a few hundred American Indians.
In 2006, Sonny Herring, owner of Woodland Zoo at the time, said the birth of a white buffalo was very unique not only because of its color, but because buffalo are rarely born in the fall.
The zoo has since closed, with many of the animals relocated to Nemacolin Woodlands Zoo.
“The buffalos are living among the 150 unique animals at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort Zoo,” said Maggie Hardy-Magerko.
Of that number, the zoo also includes many exotic animals such as zebras and white tigers. “This is an exciting addition,” she said.
Another addition to Nemacolin Woodlands is the opening of Woodlands Animal Care Center, a small animal veterinary medical center. It will hold a grand opening celebration from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday.