Return of the Buffalo: Tatanka Owe Akupi

Over two days, St. Ann’s Warehouse presents a breathtaking herd of 50 life-size buffalo puppets that will gather in New York City. Part spectacle, part ritual, Return of the Buffalo: Tatanka Owe Akupi invites us to join the herd as they roam, graze, and run wild through Downtown Brooklyn and Lower Manhattan, encountering live music, poetry, ceremonies, and performances along the way. Inspired by the buffalo’s extraordinary return—from near extinction to repopulation—Return of the Buffalo ushers in a new period of healing.

Created by Amir Nizar Zuabi in partnership with Elders from Lenape and Lakota Tribes, the artistic team will curate a series of events in Downtown Brooklyn and Lower Manhattan, bringing the life-size buffalo into the streets, at times roaming, grazing and running wild amongst everyday New Yorkers. As the buffalo herd moves along the routes, stopping at locations of historic significance, acclaimed actors, civic leaders, gospel choirs, dance troupes, marching bands, prominent musicians, and tribal ceremonies will animate parks, plazas, and squares, with live performances and inspiring public events.

schedule of Downtown Brooklyn activations

• 2:00PM: The herd gathers at Abolitionist Place. Welcome from Lenape Tribal members 
• 2:15PM: The herd parades along Willoughby Street and Willoughby Plaza to Columbus Park
• 2:35PM: At Columbus Park, members of the Delaware Nation, Delaware Tribe (Lenni-Lenape) and Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso welcome the Buffalo and members of the Lakota tribe to their ancestral homeland. Spoken performances of historical texts and musical performance by Rhiannon Giddens
• 2:50PM: The herd exits Columbus Park. Activations continue along Montague Street, culminating at Brooklyn Bridge Park

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