Not that long ago, the prairies and plains of the Dakotas was the realm of the Buffalo. Literally, millions of individual American Bison roamed the Great Plains. There are few places left in the United States where one can experience what it was to look out over the rolling prairie and see Buffalo as far as the horizon line.
One such place is Wild Idea Buffalo Ranch in eastern Pennington County adjacent to the Cheyenne River. Founded by Jill O’Brien and author Dan O’Brian, Wild Idea’s mission is to regenerate the prairie grasslands, while improving our home planet and our food supply, by bringing back the bison. For this special two-part episode, we wanted to bring in two additional artists to join us at Wild Idea to celebrate the Buffalo and wild prairie they thrive upon. We’ll hear music and stories from Chuck Suchy, visit with Jill O’Brian about the benefits of bison meat, and hear Dan read an excerpt from his book, In the Center of the Nation.
Lakota Hoop Dancer and storyteller Kevin Locke was also going to be part of these episodes but passed away unexpectedly just prior to taping. Our performances are dedicated to his gentle spirit and memory and to the hope we can carry forward his work to connect people to the spirit of the land and to one another.
Don't miss Wish You Were Here premiering May 2nd at 8 p.m. (7MT) on SDPB's Facebook and YouTube or May 4th on SDPB TV-1.
