A documentary about a Native American-owned South Dakota business is making its world premiere today as part of a series of short films that celebrate small businesses.
“Buffalo Returns” is a documentary film produced by Tribeca Digital Studios and American Express that tells the story of the “Tanka Bar”. Manufactured by Native American Natural Foods in Kyle, South Dakota the all-natural, buffalo and cranberry snack bar is sold at over 6000 locations in all 50 states.
CEO and co-founder Karlene Hunter says a nationally successful company like Native American Natural Foods isn’t something people expect to see coming out of one of the poorest areas in the country.
“You know, when they hear about Native American Natural Foods and our brand coming from the third poorest county in the United States…and our triple bottom line of our company where we’re trying to not only address the economic situation of the Lakota people of our reservation…but also the health and environment…it catches people’s attention," Hunter observes.
And though American Express and Tribeca Digital Studios were looking for stories about successful businesses at the forefront of the entrepreneurial renaissance, Karlene Hunter says the primary goal for creating Native American Natural Foods was the Lakota people.
“Our ancestors gave their lives so that we could…we could live," Hunter explains. "To me…they passed the torch. You need to better the living situation for your people…for the next seven generations. And so…it never came with a label.”
Karlene Hunter notes that “taking care of the people” is just what the Lakota do.
“Buffalo Returns” premieres in over 40 million homes tonight on cable platforms such as Comcast, Time-Warner Cable and the American Express You Tube Channel.
Related story:
NYC Director Talks About "Buffalo Returns"
http://listen.sdpb.org/post/nyc-director-talks-about-buffalo-returns-0
For more information:
http://www.tankabar.com/cgi-bin/nanf/public/main.cvw