Find Your Story: Texas Indigenous Data Sovereignty Study
Texas, Northern Mexico
2023–2024
Agriculture & food systems, data sovereignty, research
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.
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 in Waelder, Texas, in February 2023.
Buffalo standing near a row of brood boxes at Texas Tribal Buffalo Project headquarters in Waelder, Texas, in February 2023.
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, in February 2023.
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
“
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, food sovereignty, Indigenous education, inclusive community spaces, nutrition and wellness, and policy and advocacy.
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.
Recommendations for the future
Understanding the diverse challenges and needs across Texas and Northern Mexico, we developed 19 strategic recommendations to offer a comprehensive and adaptable framework for action. These recommendations were not solely for Texas Tribal Buffalo Project, but for similar change-makers with roots in Texas.
Here’s a summary of our recommendations:
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.
Advocacy efforts should focus on civic engagement, policy change, and resilience-building.
Texas Tribal Buffalo Project is poised for growth, and by leveraging their networks and prioritizing Indigenous lifeways, they can drive meaningful progress while honoring their mission and values.
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.
Creative
We use strategic visuals and messaging to demonstrate each organization's distinct personality and values.
Resources
Find Your Story: Texas Indigenous Data Sovereignty Study →
Our history from present-day Texas is rich but complex. Like the rest of the continent, prior to colonization, the region was home to many thriving tribes, each with unique traditions, cultures, and languages. For tens of thousands of years…
REPORT
Texas Indigenous Data Sovereignty Survey →
The Texas Indigenous Data Sovereignty Study is a joint effort spearheaded by Texas Tribal Buffalo Project that utilizes culturally based methodologies to create opportunities for cultural restoration, data stewardship, and…
SURVEY
(Designed and created by Texas Tribal Buffalo Project) Participate in the Texas Indigenous Data Sovereignty Study to help us understand the connection of lineal descendants to Texas lands…
MARKETING