Pe Sla
The heart of all that is
Near Deer Lake in the Black Hills is a large meadow. The Lakota people call the meadow Pe Sla and it is very important to the Lakota nation. In 2012 the land was put up for sale and various Lakota tribes pooled their resources and purchased the meadow. Since the purchase a small herd of bison now occupy the land. the Bison are cared for my Joe Buck.
In August of 2015 Joe escorted me to Pe Sla and gave me terrifying access to the herd. I say terrifying because I have never been that close to bison. They are wild animals and quite dangerous. I do not think I ever got comfortable but I was able to make some amazing images of Pe Sla and the resident bison.
Even in the heat of early August Pe Sla is in bloom
There is at least 1 abandoned homestead on the land
A bird sits on the back of this cow buffalo. The birds eat the flies and other pests, a symbiotic relationship
Two young buffalo ensure that the herd will continue to grow for years to come. Soon the herd will be a source of traditional food and materials for the Lakota people.
Today the herd is small but it will grow strong in the coming years
Joe is the caretaker of the land and the bison herd. It is through his hard work that the land and the bison thrive on newly returned sacred land.
The road to the main house and inipi "sweat lodge" frame
