Usk, WA (November 21, 2025) – The Kalispel Tribe of Indians has been recognized with the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) Speedy Award – Non-Member Category. This award celebrates individuals and organizations outside of PVA membership who have made significant contributions to improving the lives of America’s paralyzed veterans. This is the highest honor bestowed by the PVA.
The Kalispel Tribe’s Agriculture Department has a team fondly known as the Buffalo Boys. Historically, the Kalispel people traveled to reach buffalo-hunting grounds, but now the Buffalo Boys sustain a herd that provides food resources for the community, preserves cultural traditions, and strengthens tribal identity. The program has expanded with new fencing, additional grazing land, and butchering facilities – all enabling the Tribe to achieve food sovereignty and share buffalo meat within the community.
In 2024, Derrick Bluff, Director of Agriculture for the Kalispel Tribe and leader of the Buffalo Boys, reached out to the PVA in hopes of building a partnership and as a means of giving back to veterans in the region. Bluff began working with Brent King, Northwest Paralyzed Veterans of America (NWPVA) Executive Director. The two men put together a program for harvesting buffalo as a means of herd management. Six or seven paralyzed vets can harvest a buffalo each year, receiving specialized attention from the Buffalo Boys to assist with their individual needs.
King was the first PVA member to take part in the Buffalo Experience and believed it would be of interest to other members. He was correct. The PVA currently has a list of people waiting to take part, some willing to drive 4-5 hours for the experience. King said the Buffalo Program is about “keeping vets active, off the couch, and out of the house.” He indicated that being active in nature improves their mental health. King also said the Buffalo Boys are funny, honest, and laid back, which helps to build a special form of brotherhood for the paralyzed veterans.
Bluff pointed out that the participating veterans get to choose some meat from their Buffalo Experiences, while the rest goes to Tribal members. “This is a great program,” said Bluff, “It’s one of the best parts of my job.” This program benefits the paralyzed veterans as well as the Kalispel Tribe and their community.
Recently, the Tribe donated $10,000 to the NWPVA, to go toward the purchase of a UTV and trailer. This vehicle will make more areas accessible to the paralyzed veterans. To make additional donations toward this vehicle for the Northwest Paralyzed Veterans of America, use their PayPal link at nwpva.org.