Birth of white buffalo brings end-of-days to some Utahns

White Bison Birth Documented in Yellowstone

Recently, a photographer captured the birth of a white-furred bison with black eyes, nose and hooves. The news was celebrated by the indigenous peoples of North America, particularly the Lakota tribe of South Dakota.

Thousands of years ago there is a story about the white buffalo woman who came at a time when people were starving. She approached two scouts. The first tried to take her as his wife while the other showed her respect. The first was destroyed and she told the other that she would visit his people.

The next day she came singing and carrying a bundle. With this bundle she offered them the buffalo that would allow them to live. She also told them that she would return in the form of a young white buffalo when the world was in trouble again.

What does the white bison mean today?

Chief Arvol Looking Horse of the Lakota is considered the keeper of the sacred bundle. He said, “Mother Earth is sick and has a fever.” The White Buffalo Woman said she would return at a time when people were sad and there was much anger. The earth would be in turmoil with volcanoes and earthquakes.

He goes on to say that humanity has a choice to make. We can choose to continue in chaos and suffer the consequences, or we can come together and become one people with one prayer.

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Part of the message seems to be that we have spent too much time trying to own and consume resources and control others, like the first scout. If we show respect and gratitude like the second, things will improve.