Honoring Native American Heritage: Zion White Bison Resort’s Journey to Rehome a Sacred White Bison

Zion! At Zion White Bison Resort, we believe in the power of connection – to nature, to history, and to one another. Recently, we had the honor of participating in a journey that was both deeply meaningful and spiritually enriching. Our team, led by my partner Jared Westoff and our friend Paul Taylor, embarked on an unforgettable trip to rehome a sacred white bison calf named Cinnamon. This experience, steeped in heritage and reverence, highlighted the importance of respecting Native American traditions and the symbolism of the white bison.

White bison are extraordinarily rare, with only one in a million born white today, and their cultural significance is profound, particularly among the Lakota and other Native American tribes. For many, the white bison symbolizes renewal and hope, a legend that resonates deeply within the Lakota culture. Knowing this, we felt both privileged and humbled to be able to donate Cinnamon to the Black Feather Ranch on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.

Upon arriving, Jared and Paul were met by Virgil Two Eagle, who warmly welcomed Cinnamon, saying, “Welcome home.” This simple phrase held immense power. Although Cinnamon was born on our resort, it was evident that his true home was here, where he would be a cherished part of the Lakota community. For Virgil and his family, this was the fulfillment of a prayer they had made months prior. As they shared their story with us, we felt the sacredness of the moment, understanding that this journey was about much more than relocating an animal; it was about fulfilling a cultural and spiritual connection.

Chief Henry, a revered leader of the Lakota people, joined the ceremony, emphasizing the importance of the white bison to their community. He spoke of the need to rebuild unity and understanding between cultures, and he thanked our team for honoring the significance of the white bison. His words underscored our shared humanity, and the deep respect we must carry for one another’s heritage.

This wasn’t just a one-way journey. After ensuring Cinnamon had settled into his new home, Jared and Paul continued on to the S Ranch, where they carefully selected three Southern Plains bison heifers to bring back to Zion White Bison Resort. These new additions symbolize our commitment to educating our guests about the diversity and importance of bison conservation. Our resort now hosts both Northern and Southern Plains bison, enriching the experience for our visitors and honoring the historical significance of these majestic creatures.

Back at the resort, we reunited our female bison, Sakari, with her mother and introduced the three new heifers to the herd. Watching these animals bond and settle in reminded us of the deep connections they symbolize. It’s a privilege to witness these interactions and to share them with our guests, who come from all over the world to experience the magic of Zion White Bison Resort.

Every evening at Zion White Bison, guests enjoy a unique glamping experience – luxury accommodations surrounded by nature, complete with private fire pits, hot tubs, and, of course, the presence of our bison. For many, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get close to these animals, understanding their role in Native American heritage and the importance of conservation.

We invite you to be a part of this journey with us. Join us at Zion White Bison Resort, where we celebrate history, honor heritage, and create connections that last a lifetime. And if you’re interested in helping us name our new bison heifers, we’re seeking suggestions for Native American names that match their unique personalities. The winner will receive a free night’s stay with us – a small token of our appreciation for helping us honor the legacy of these incredible animals.

Thank you for following our journey. If you’d like to stay updated on our adventures, please like, subscribe, and follow Zion White Bison Resort. Your next adventure is just a click away.