When the world was young, there were only people, plants, and the Great Buffalo Spirit. People ate plants, and the plants drew nutrients from the sun. However, people were weary of eating only plants. They went to ask the Great Buffalo Spirit in the plains for help.

"Is there nothing else to eat but plants? They are tough and bitter, even when cooked."

The Great Buffalo Spirit thought for three days and three nights. On the fourth morning, he went to the newly founded village of the people that asked for help and told them, "Gather mud from the river, a bushel of grass, and branches from a tree. Form those, I will make food for you to eat."

The villagers were perplexed but did as the spirit bid them to do. When the materials were brought before the Great Buffalo Spirit, he turned the mud into fish and other sea animals and cast them into the river. From the branches, eagles and other birds burst forth into the sky. Out of the grass, numerous edible animals were scattered across the land. Lastly, the Great Buffalo Spirit combined all three materials, branches for bones, mud for meat, and grass for fur, and created a buffalo.

"All the animals you have just seen can be eaten. Protect them lest they all disappear. Cherish them and do not waste any parts. If ever the buffalo should disappear, for I care most deeply for them, I shall return and seek those that have provoked my indignation."

The Great Buffalo Spirit then departed, for his job was done and he was tired. The people hunted and ate meat along with plants. They never hunted too much, but they never starved. They took special care in protecting the buffalo and used every single part of the buffalo. Buffalos had the most useable materials, and the people could never live without them.