Founded in 2023 in Rapid City, South Dakota, Sacred Storm Buffalo is part of Wambli Ska, a Native-led nonprofit organization. The shop was created to restore Indigenous control over traditional food systems and to provide meaningful employment for Native community members.
Buffalo have always been central to Lakota culture, and Sacred Storm Buffalo brings that connection to life through ethical harvesting, processing, and retail practices. The shop also serves as a hub for education, workforce development, and community care.
The meaning behind the name
The shop’s name honors Aiko Storm, the granddaughter of Chris White Eagle, whose life was tragically cut short.
“Including ‘Storm’ in the name is a way to keep her spirit present in the work of Sacred Storm Buffalo,” White Eagle, executive director at Sacred Storm Buffalo, said. “It reflects a commitment to healing and resilience, ensuring that her memory inspires a future rooted in care, strength, and community.”
What you’ll find at the market
Sacred Storm Buffalo offers a wide range of products, including:
- Fresh and frozen buffalo cuts
- Ground buffalo and specialty products
- Value-added items like sausages, jerky, snack sticks, and hot dogs
- Pretty Pink Buffalo candles, skincare, and teas
The market also features a curated selection of Indigenous foods and pantry staples. Through its partnership with SweetGrass Trading Company, customers can find products such as Ioway Bee Farm honey sticks, SweetGrass Trading coffee, Nemi Snacks sticks, Ramona Farms beans, and more.
All products are handled with respect for the animal, the land, and traditional values.
A place that feels like home
When you enter Sacred Storm Buffalo, the shop welcomes you with warmth and care. Staff share the stories behind the products and the cultural significance of buffalo, helping customers feel connected to the land and the community.
The layout and displays are approachable and inviting, highlighting both the products and the mission. Customers leave not only with high-quality food but also with a sense of belonging to a community that honors tradition, supports Native families, and prioritizes care for the land.
Partnerships that matter
Sacred Storm Buffalo works with SweetGrass Trading Company because of shared values.
“Working with a Native American company like SweetGrass aligns naturally with our values,” White Eagle said. “Partnerships like this strengthen Indigenous economies and ensure that Native stories, labor, and leadership remain visible and valued.”
Sacred Storm Buffalo demonstrates how culture, community, and business can work together. For those looking for ethically sourced buffalo and a connection to Native traditions, it offers both nourishment and inspiration.