Buffalo Nation Exhibit

Plains Indian Museum

Saturday, June 14, 2025
6-8 p.m.

Please join the Buffalo Bill Center of the West for this immersive dinner event in support of the upcoming Buffalo Nation and Riders of the Buffalo Nation exhibitions.

Chef Anthony Warrior returns with a Native-inspired dinner and presentation. There will also be an opportunity to bid on a selection of items and experiences in our silent auction.

Pre-sale registration for 2024 participants will open May 9th! General registration opens May 16th.

About the Buffalo Nation Exhibition

Buffalo Nation: The History of Our Future offers a transformative journey into the heart of America’s national mammal, aligning with the country’s 250th anniversary. Through an immersive, multi-sensory experience, the exhibition invites visitors from all walks of life to reconnect with the bison’s enduring legacy.

Narrated from the perspective of the American bison, this groundbreaking experience weaves together powerful stories through art, artifacts, and diverse voices. The exhibition honors the deep ties between bison, land, and people, tracing the animal’s epic path from abundance through near extinction, and into resilient survival. These stories unfold through a bold, sensory-rich lens that sparks reflection, awe, and reconnection.

About the Riders of the Buffalo Nation Exhibition

Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Black Hills and Montana’s sweeping plains, Riders of the Buffalo Nation showcases Doug Hancock’s powerful visual storytelling. Shot on Kodak film during the summer of 2022, this Amsterdam-based creator captures the spirit and skill of today’s Native American rodeo culture.

“Buffalo Riders,” a term rooted in North American history, refers to expert Indigenous horsemen who rode with buffalo during sacred hunts—the most perilous and important tradition of the year. Today’s Buffalo Nations carry forward this legacy, preserving deep bonds with the American bison through equestrian culture, spiritual traditions, and subsistence practices.

Hancock focuses his lens on the Oglala Lakota Nation of Pine Ridge, SD, and the Northern Cheyenne Reservation of Lame Deer, MT. After connecting with Slick and Buzz Phelps—Lakota rodeo champions and brothers—he embarked on a month-long journey across the West. Alongside his community partners, Hancock documents the vibrant lives of youth, seasoned riders, and sweeping landscapes, creating a compelling and hopeful portrait that uplifts the voices and vitality of Pine Ridge and Lame Deer.

About Chef Anthony L. Warrior

A highly regarded figure in the Native American culinary world hailing from Nebraska, advocates for the promotion and appreciation of Indigenous foods. With a deep passion for educating and revitalizing Native American food traditions, Chef Warrior is on a mission to foster cultural connections through culinary exploration.

Through his endeavors, Chef Warrior aims to shed light on the rich heritage and nutritional benefits of Indigenous foods, while also emphasizing their significance in preserving cultural identity and heritage within Native communities. By championing traditional food ways, Chef Warrior not only celebrates the flavors and ingredients of Indigenous cuisines but also honors the historical and cultural legacy embedded within them.

His commitment to Indigenous food revitalization goes beyond the confines of the kitchen, as he actively engages with Native communities to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and empower individuals to reclaim and embrace their culinary heritage. Through initiatives such as workshops, cooking demonstrations, and community outreach programs, Chef Warrior strives to inspire a deeper appreciation for Indigenous foods and encourage a reconnection with ancestral culinary practices.

In essence, Chef Anthony L. Warrior embodies the spirit of cultural preservation and culinary innovation, using his expertise to bridge the gap between past and present, while paving the way for a brighter future where Indigenous foods are celebrated and cherished by all.