Find your story: Texas Indigenous data sovereignty study

Partner profile

Texas Tribal Buffalo Project honors the ancestors of both their people and their buffalo relatives through a commitment to stewardship, community well-being, and cultural preservation. They believe in the responsible care of the earth’s natural resources and in raising bison using traditional Indigenous values of sustainability and respect. Through education on soil health and regenerative agricultural practices, they provide opportunities to deepen the understanding of this sacred relative.

The need for data sovereignty

US government practices and policies pose significant challenges in understanding Indigenous communities, not only in Texas but across the nation. Texas is vast and faces unique hurdles due to its size and the sparse distribution of resources, and questions can be raised about the relevance and appropriateness of the data collected for tribes.

According to Brookings and NLM, the way the US collects and analyzes race and ethnicity data can neglect up to 75% of the American Indian and Alaska Native population, leading to enormous gaps in official data sets. This glaring omission further marginalizes Indigenous communities and deepens existing health and wealth disparities in the United States.

Underrepresentation of Indigenous populations in government data sets: Only 25% is reliably represented using current criteria.

Progress to address these challenges is slow to non-existent, and independent efforts are needed for a more accurate representation of Texas Indigenous lineal descendant communities. This study aims to remedy that. It’s rooted in the principles of rematriation and seeks to better understand Indigenous peoples in present-day Texas and Northern Mexico. The results of the study will help Texas Tribal Buffalo Project make informed decisions — using their own data — to improve access to programs, services, and overall well-being for their people.

The overarching objectives of the study were to: 1) identify ways to increase a sense of belonging and well-being among Indigenous communities in Texas and Northern Mexico; 2) locate and improve access to existing services and programs that serve Indigenous communities in the state of Texas; and 3) provide strategic recommendations for future efforts and initiatives.

Land surrounding Texas Tribal Buffalo Project headquarters in Waelder, Texas, in February 2023.

Project partners

Agri-Cultura Network

Building New Mexico’s small farming economy through sustainability and food justice
American Indians in Texas at the Spanish Colonial Missions

Addressing the needs and aspirations of Indigenous communities in San Antonio
Indigenous Peoples of the Coastal Bend

Intertribal community group in Corpus Christi, Texas
Kalpulli Ehekatl Papalotzin

Tribe from Mexico City meaning “Venerable Butterfly of the Wind”
Lipan Apache Tribe

Native American tribe in the state of Texas with a governing body
Rice University Center for Environmental Studies

Research and education on climate instability and environmental turmoil
Tap Pilam Coahuiltecan Nation

Revitalizing the language, culture, religion, and hegemony of their peoples
Urban Indian Health Institute

Decolonizing data, for Indigenous people, by Indigenous people
USDA Agricultural Marketing Service

Creating marketing opportunities for US producers of food, fiber, and specialty crops
Village Earth

Reconnecting communities to resources that promote well-being and empowerment

The Buffalo Book by David A. Dary seen at Texas Tribal Buffalo Project headquarters.

Buffalo standing near a row of brood boxes at Texas Tribal Buffalo Project headquarters.

Advisory council

Karla Aguilar

Nahua-Pipil/Tap Pilam Coahuiltecan Nation
Former Development Director, Texas Tribal Buffalo Project
Ramon Diego Vasquez

Auteca Paguame Tribe of the Tap Pilam Coahuiltecan Nation
Community Engagement Manager, American Indian Center of Houston
Helga Garcia-Garza

Azteca Chichimeca
Executive Director, Agri-Cultura Network
Izel Lopez

Tap Pilam Coahuiltecan Nation/Lipan Apache
Executive Director, Texas Tribal Buffalo Project
Scott Stockwell

Lipan Apache Band of Texas
Kelly Tudor

Lipan Apache Band of Texas
Indigenous Educator and Curriculum Consultant
Weston Twardowski

Associate Director, Center for Environmental Studies, Rice University

Buffalo grazing in a field at Texas Tribal Buffalo Project headquarters in Waelder, Texas.

When Native Nations make decisions about development approaches to take, they consistently out-perform external decision makers — on matters as diverse as governmental form, natural resource management, economic development, health care and social service provision.

Harvard Kennedy School Project on Indigenous Governance and Development

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Participatory research methods used in the study

Elder meetings and planning sessions
Advisory council meetings
Federal agriculture data analysis
Literature review
Statewide survey in English and Spanish
Key opinion leader interviews
Case studies
Oral herstories and histories

Our findings

Study participants shared their perspectives on what they believed was most essential for increasing a sense of belonging and well-being among Indigenous communities, both locally and at the state level. Responses varied, but all agreed that they both impact and are impacted by positive social relationships, better mental and physical health, access to accurate and inclusive education, and occupational success.

Responses fell into 11 different key themes:

Awareness and recognition
Capacity building
Civic engagement
Collaborative partnerships
Cultural preservation
Environmental resilience

We asked study participants about programs and partners that offer reliable and culturally appropriate support to Indigenous communities in the region. Through interviews and our advisory council, we identified 30 organizations serving Indigenous populations or working with Indigenous-serving entities. While not exhaustive, most (64%) are based in urban areas and focus on cultural preservation (66%), education and awareness (66%), and community engagement (63%), with significant overlap. Of the 30, four offer workforce services, three focus on health and wellness, and two provide civic engagement programs. Almost half (47%) have specific programming for engaging young people, and there was a lack of partners in housing/shelter and political representation. It’s our hope that Texas Tribal Buffalo Project, along with other partners, can leverage this list to increase statewide collaboration and strengthen support for Indigenous communities.

Food sovereignty
Indigenous education
Inclusive community spaces
Nutrition and wellness
Policy and advocacy

To develop an adaptable framework for action, we proposed five strategic recommendations:

Advocacy efforts should focus on civic engagement, policy change, and resilience-building.

Texas Tribal Buffalo Project would benefit from strategic investments in organizational capacity, planning, and sustainability.

Prioritizing Indigenous data sovereignty, trauma-informed approaches, and alliance-building would strengthen partnerships and amplify impact.

Community engagement remains key — celebrating artists, creating inclusive spaces, and empowering youth would encourage cultural connection.

Strengthening local food systems and food security would enhance health and sustainability.

Sweet Grass project team & services

Jackie Carter

Associate Research Director
Data collection and analysis, literature review, Spanish translation, report writing
Michael Brydge

Principal & Research Director
Project supervisor, tool design, client communication, advisory council development
Julianna Smith

Creative Director
Graphic and layout design, creative direction, data visualization

Research

We actively engage in collaborative partnerships to gather stories and insights that lead to strategic decision-making and systems change.

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Design

We use strategic visuals and messaging to demonstrate each organization's distinct personality and values.

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