A few weeks ago I was gifted a raw bison hide from our neighbor, Freddie, who runs a herd of bison. I was extremely excited, but a little overwhelmed by the tanning process. However, it’s important to me to use what we could of this exquisite creature.
I spoke to my Buzzard clan family in the Grand Lakes area of Oklahoma, asking them about the Bison traditions of our Cherokee history. I was told deer were the primary source of meat for our Cherokee families. My nephew Jeremy who does taxidermy advised me of what to do and let me borrow his tools, a huge help! The day I picked up the hide, I met a new friend, Isaiah, Kickapoo, and he was gracious enough to come over that evening and show us traditional ways, tell us stories, and help us take care of us this hide and with respect. Together, with help from my husband Cory and my nephew, Jeremy, we learned a lot from our new friend, Isaiah!
The bison is now tanned, and I am proud this bison hides new home is at Brush Springs hanging prominently in my barn foyer; a keepsake, and I hope to pass it down to my boys!
Brush Springs Stables 
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