Kivasun

Our Name

• What does KivaSun mean?

  The name KivaSun embodies our values and defines how we treat our customers, partners, employees, and friends. “Kiva” is a sacred meeting place for the Pueblo Indians of theSouthwest. It’s where tribal members come together to celebrate important events. And it remains a vital part of many Native American tribes today. The “Sun” is a source of light, warmth, hope and optimism, shared across every culture. Together, these two powerful symbols represent the spirit of the company, who we are, and what we believe.

• Why is your tagline “Respect the Land & Revere the Food”?

  Respect for Land and Reverence for food are age-old Native American traditions that we adhere to today just as tribes have done for hundreds of years. Each of these values is equally critical to the success and survival of native American tribes. We strive each day to honor these ideals in the products we bring to your family’s table.

• Why are Bison so important to Native American Tribes?

  To Native Americans, bison represent their spirit and remind them of how their lives should be lived, free and in harmony with nature. The animal was honored in songs, dances, and prayers. Native Americans prayed everyday to the animal to ask them to watch over their people and to continue to help them survive. If a dancer wore a bison headdress or imitated a bison in dance, this was one way of honoring the animal. The skull of bison were used in ceremonies, the bones were used to fashion tools, and the hides were used for warmth and shelter.

How Our Bison are Raised

• Are your bison grass fed?

  Our bison are grass fed for 95% of their lives and then finished on a Non-GMO vegetarian diet to provide a consistent flavor and marbling for a great tasting product every time.

• Where are the bison raised?

  Our animals are raised primarily in Montana, Wyoming, and South Dakota, where the animals have existed for thousands of years.

• Is your bison considered organic?

  Our bison is not considered organic but is all natural, antibiotic-free, and contains no added hormones. Given the fact that the animals are raised on land that has never been used for anything other than raising bison, we feel confident in serving the product to our own children.

• What is the life of the bison like?

  The bison roam and eat native grasses for a majority of their lives. Each animal is allocated multiple acres on which to roam. The animals are harvested between 26 and 30 months.

• What is the difference between bison and buffalo?

  Early American settlers called bison “buffalo” due to the similar appearance between the two animals, and the name “buffalo” stuck for the American variety, but it’s wrong. The American bison lives only in North America, while the two main buffalo species reside in Africa and Asia. Like buffalo, bison belong to the Bovidae family, which includes more than 100 species of hoofed mammals, called ungulates — buffalo, bison, antelopes, gazelles, cattle, sheep and goats. Two main buffalo species exist: African cape buffalo and Asian water buffalo. Unlike any buffalo species, the American bison sports a large shoulder hump and a massive head, which gives this symbol of the West its burly appearance.

Nutritional Claims

• Are there any additives to your bison?

  No!

• Is your bison GMO free?

  Yes!

• What are the health benefits of bison?

  In general, bison has approximately 30% more protein and 30% less fat than beef. Bison is an excellent source of iron, zinc and certain B vitamins, including vitamin B12 and niacin. It is illegal to use growth hormones in bison and KivaSun bison is antibiotic free. So, with no added hormones and no antibiotics, KivaSun bison is a great option for a healthy and lean protein.

• Is your bison jerky gluten free?

  Yes.

• Is your bison Antibiotic free?

  Yes.

• Do you add hormones to your bison?

  No!

• Is there MSG in your bison jerky?

  No!

• Are there nitrites/nitrates in your jerky?

  No!

Purchasing

• What other products do you carry?

  You can find all KivaSun products here

• Where can I purchase your products?

  For a list of retail accounts where you can purchase KivaSun products, click here.

• Can I purchase your products online?

  You can purchase KivaSun Jerky online here. To purchase other KivaSun products, click here