The U. N. World Wildlife Day is March 3 each year, with the theme “Recovering Key Species for Ecosystem Restoration.” The goal is to raise awareness about the threat of extinction for as many as a million animal species around the globe, and calls into question how different groups of people view their relationship to wild animals. The hope is to inspire people to do more to aid in reversing the deterioration of ecosystems and restore the respect that all of nature deserves.

There is a stark contrast between how European settlers and indigenous peoples regarded their relationship with nature and wildlife. The Judeo-Christian tradition in essence gave man dominion over animals, enabling man to exploit them as they saw fit. In contrast, Native Americans of all tribes felt a kinship with animals, involving them in their creation stories, religious observations, and imbued them with spiritual qualities that led to respect, honoring their sacrifice, and not excessively exploiting them.

These two opposing approaches could not have a more obvious and devastating example than the white hunters who savagely killed off the plains buffalo by the millions, often just for the tongues or hides, leaving the rest to rot. The Sioux nation had relied on the buffalo for centuries, only killing enough to feed the people, and using every bit of the animal for food, tools, clothing, and more. Ceremonies honored the sacrifice of the animal and thanked it for its gifts. The devastation of the buffalo herds was central in causing the Indian Wars, and the forcing of tribes such as the Lakota onto reservations to face disease and food shortages that were completely avoidable.

One could not seek a more cogent example of the need and aims of World Wildlife Day than what was imposed on the Oglala Lakota, and why it is so significant that my Lakota friend Bamm Brewer and his team are working so hard to restore the traditional food of the people (oyate), with the inherent spiritual recognition that sets indigenous beliefs about wildlife in perspective. The Charging Buffalo Meathouse, built by the charity One Spirit (for whom I am a volunteer writer) is not just a food production facility, but an emotional achievement for the Lakota people as they work to maintain their traditional culture and become healthier, more fully employed, and be able to feel more included in society. Bamm’s very touching recounting of how he came to create the Meathouse and begin rebuilding the Lakota buffalo culture, as I listened to him on a recent Zoom presentation by One Spirit, really drove home how important wildlife is to the Lakota, and we who live on stolen land have much to learn from our Lakota sisters and brothers.

Mitákuye Oyás’i. (All Are Related), in Lakota, means there is a harmony and connection between all things. That is a beautiful way to make restoration of our planet come true.