Help Our Cause

      Owner and Caretaker of the herd.

 I was born in Harrisburg, PA into the lineage of Hunkpapa (clan of the Lakota tribe) and descended from the lineage of Sitting Bull. My father provided care for sick and abused animals from both wildlife animal centers and circuses. It was on his deathbed that I learned of his lineage and he delivered the message that I was being called upon to care and protect the White Buffalo. Through my father I met Frank Fools Crow ( Lakota Ceremonial leader) and Will Sampson (Native American Actor). Following his death in 1988 I embarked on my journey. In 2001 I was contacted by Grey Wolf and Barry Erickson  to help 4 White Bison that needed help because their owner  had a heart attack he needed to move the Bison from South Dakota to the Grand Canyon area. When I went to see the bison I fell in love. I remembered my fathers words, raised the money, moved the herd and have been caring for them ever since. You can read more about my journey in my book.

 Secretary : Paige Backlund Jarquin DrPh MPH

Founder, The Center for Authentic Community Engagement.

A change agent, bridge builder, light worker, and professional facilitator, Paige has over 20 years of experience working in, with, and for communities across the globe. Her greatest passion is supporting groups and individuals working at the forefront of social change.

She is the founder of The Center of Authentic Community Engagement through which she provides coaching, consulting, training and facilitation services to support institutions and organizations in engaging the wisdom of community partner in their work.

Paige is a student of continually learning and holds a bachelor's degree in Biology from Colorado State University, with a Masters in Public Health (MPH) in Community Health Education and a Doctor of Health (DrPh) in Community & Behavioral Health, both from the Colorado School of PublicHealth

Charles comes from a lineage of ancestors who were noted in American History. Button Qwinnett's signature is on the Declaration of Independence. Thomas Button was knighted in England for his expertise in guiding the Hudson Bay Expedition. The Button Brigade were well known by Revolutionary Wars soldiers as leatherworkers and made their service gear. Charles is a renowned musician, recording artist and actor. His music has been featured in films and television. He has worked with many accomplished musicians. Charles won the 2008 Native American Music Award for "Best Producer". Charles dedicated 13 years with the Navajo Reservation Charity " Star in the Desert". This charity built youth centers and rehabilitated children that were in prison. He joined the White Bison Mission with Cynthia after they met and had married in Sedona Arizona.

Antonia Rankin

Rankin Events & Design/Enlightened Events

Event and wedding design planner/coordinator for over 25 years, specializing in

providing the dream event/wedding you envision. As a non-denominational

minster, I also favor non-traditional wedding ceremonies including Native

American, Celtic and of course, traditional with your added input. As a floral and

event space designer, I specialize in helping with floral choices, color coordination

and lighting. Whether you require a full planning process a year out, just the day-

of coordination or hourly consultation, I offer the ‘insider’ expertise to help you

create the perfect event for you, your family and guests. Weddings and events

with consciousness! 

Antonia is always available by email at: antonia@rankinevents.com or press contact to call her today!

Kurt Shaffer

Kurt has been selected to be the only approved photographer to The White Bison. HIs work aligns with our mission. Kurt captures the beauty in ever moment. When he is shooting sacred moment in a persons life, agriculture, historical monuments, skylines, or natures phenomemons you feel the energy like you are right there. Check out more of Kurts work.