'Miracle,' the White Buffalo

'Miracle,' an extremely rare wild, white buffalo. Born on August 20, 1994, on the Heider Farm, Janesville, WI. Not an albino, but the product of a double recessive gene. As with the 'spirit bears' of the Pacific Northwest (black bears, also double recessive, and thus, white), these rarities are held in very high esteem by Native peoples.

One legend passed down from the Rosebud and Lakota Sioux says: 'A holy woman spoke to a young brave on the prairie and said, "Return to your people and tell them I am coming." The woman brought a wrapped bundle to the people. She unwrapped it, giving them a sacred pipe and teaching them how to use it to pray. "With this pipe, you will walk like a living prayer," she said. She told the Sioux about the value of the buffalo, the women, and the children. "You are from Mother Earth," she told the women, "What you are doing is as great as the warriors do." Before she left, she told them she would return. As she walked away, she rolled over four times, turning into a white buffalo calf. It is said after that day the Lakota honor their pipes, and the buffalo will always be plentiful.'

'Miracle' lived just ten years, passing into the spirit world in 2004. But during the animal's lifetime, thousands visited the farm where 'Miracle' was part of a free-ranging herd. Among the visitors were tribal representatives from many North American Native nations.
'Da'a uhpam hu'u, chu'uchum hemako' Fly back to the stars, little one...