The Legend of the White Buffalo
One summer a long time ago, the seven sacred council fires of the Lakota Sioux came together and camped. The sun was strong and the people were starving for there was no game. Two young men went out to hunt. Along the way, the two men met a beautiful young woman dressed in white who floated as she walked. One man had bad desires for the woman and tried to touch her, but was consumed by a cloud and turned into a pile of bones.

The woman spoke to the second young man and said, "Return to your people and tell them I am coming." This holy woman brought a wrapped bundle to the people. She unwrapped the bundle giving to the people a sacred pipe and teaching them how to use it to pray. "With this holy pipe, you will walk like a living prayer," she said. The holy woman told the Sioux about the value of the buffalo, the women and the children. "You are from Mother Earth," she told the women, "What you are doing is as great as the warriors do."

Before she left, she told the people she would return. As she walked away, she rolled over four times, turning into a white female buffalo calf. It is said after that day the Lakota honored their pipe, and buffalo were plentiful. (from John Lame Deer's telling in 1967).

Our Mission:
The mission and vision of White Buffalo Youth Lodge is dedicated to improve the quality of life and health for children, youth and young adults and their families in the inner city through integrated, holistic support services and programs. The vision of White Buffalo Youth Lodge is that children, youth, and young adults will have the capacity to make healthy life choices and be leaders in the community, through the collaboration of all orders of government and the community.

Spirit of the White Buffalo:
As taught by First Nations Elders, the birth of the sacred White Buffalo signifies new beginnings and a return to healing and balance for all nations.

Our Core Values:
We believe children and youth need special support to overcome disadvantages, where they exist. Earning their trust and friendship first, gives us a chance to then offer encouragement, direction and counselling.
We encourage and foster cross-cultural understanding and appreciation. Our programs and services are open to anyone, regardless of race, status, and socioeconomics. We strive to role model values like respect, fair play, honesty, tolerance and forgiveness.