Sweet grass has much cultural signifigance to the Lakota people.  Here, Francis, a Lower Brule Tribal member, braids the harvested sweet grass. 

The historic sweet grass patches on the reservation were destroyed by flooding caused by the construction of the Missouri River hydropower dams.  The successful reintroduction of sweet grass on the reservation enhances ecological diversity and once again provides tribal members with a local source for this importnant plant. 

The Lakota knew the black-footed ferrets to be elusive and hard to kill.  It was believed that whoever killed one would surely die.  For this, the Lakota emulated the black-footed ferret to gain their powers.

Within Lakota encampments, the Swift Fox Society served as a policing society centered on protecting camp life and hunting activities.  The swift fox was a symbol of stength and courage.

Here a Least Tern hovers above the banks of the Missouri River. The Least Terns are protected by  the Endangered Species Act of 1973 and are listed as threatened. A "threatened species" is one that is likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range.

The  Maka Foundation is raising funds to support the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe Department of Wildlife, Fish and Recreation's reintroduction of both the black-footed ferret and swift fox to their native habitats on tribal lands. 

Please financailly support this exciting reintroduction through your charitable donation to the Maka Foundation.