Lucille Contreras
Lucille is the CEO and founder of the Texas Tribal Buffalo Project, a groundbreaking Indigenous-led organization dedicated to buffalo restoration, regenerative agriculture, and reconnecting Texas lineal descendants to their heritage. A proud Lipan Apache and Mexica descendant, Lucille leads the only known women-led bison ranching operation in Texas and serves as a hands-on caretaker of the buffalo. Her work embodies a vision of ecological and cultural renewal, rooted in Indigenous knowledge systems that honor reciprocity between people, animals, and the land. As a trailblazer in food sovereignty and conservation, she continues to inspire communities to restore balance through relationship, reverence, and responsibility.
Texas Tribal Buffalo Project champions sustainable foodways through programs that bridge health, access, and tradition. Its “Meat for Mamas” initiative provides nutrient-rich bison meat to expecting mothers, supporting family wellness from the start. The organization is also the only bison purveyor in the nation that accepts EBT, ensuring equitable access to traditional foods across Turtle Island. Beyond food production, the Project plays a vital role in habitat restoration, cultural education, and intergenerational healing—showing how the return of the buffalo can restore both the land and the spirit of Indigenous communities across Texas.
Juan Garcia
Mr. Juan Garcia is a Lipan Elder from the Big Water People (Ku’ne tsa Nde’). Mr. Garcia has contributed greatly to the Lipan Apache and his local community through volunteer work and educating using his Lipan Apache presentations.
*He was a presenter/Instructor for the CCISD Native American Studies Program from 2006-2014.
*He does presentations on the Lipan Apache Culture and History at Local schools, Museums, Civic Organizations and Retirement Homes.
*He has volunteered with the Robstown Area Historical Museum and has been on the Board of Directors since 2022
*He has served as the Secretary for the Robstown High School Alumni Association. (2014-2018)
*He has been on the Board of Directors for the Robstown ISD Education Foundation since October, 2023
*He has been a Council Member for the Lipan Apache Tribe of Texas since December 2010 and held Office of Secretary from December 2010 till April 2023.
*He served in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1972-1981 achieving the Officer rank of Captain. Honorable Discharged January 1981.
Mr. Garcia graduated from Robstown High School May 1968.
He earned a BBA in General Business from Texas A&I University, Kingsville, TX
He was employed at E.I. Du Pont De Nemours & Co., Inc. from 1974-1987 where he held several Managerial and Supervisory positions. He then became employed with Occidental Chemical Corp. until retirement from 1987-2014, again serving in Managerial and Supervisory positions.
*Mr. Garcia is an excellent Artist and Craftsman making a variety of items. He has created many works and usually blesses and honors people with gifts of his hand made works. He also enjoys teaching arts and crafts lessons to the Lipan Apache and people in general.
*Mr. Garcia enjoys helping the local community by volunteering at local events both Native and Non-Native.
* Mr. Garcia has also donated his time and Arts and Crafts to Native and Non-Native Non-Profits for their fundraising efforts.
The Lipan Nde’ of Texas is proud to Honor Mr. Juan S Garcia as a, our first of many, LIPAN COMMUNITY LEADER