WASNA –A SPIRIT FOOD

From Brittany Standing Rock Sioux Tribe

I have always known wasna, a traditional Lakota dish, to be spirit food and we commonly use it in traditional ceremonies When I was younger, I remember someone leaving out a plate of wasna during a ceremony and I thought they had forgotten a plate of food, so I grabbed it and brought it to my mother She explained that it was spirit food—a form of offering to the spirits during the ceremony, representing a thank you for all we have received and a prayer for our future. While it is not a family recipe, it is widely used amongst my people I hope you enjoy it

Directions

1 Mix all ingredients together Roll into small balls (optional)

Ingredients

2 cups shredded beef/bison jerky.

1 cup chopped tart berries (such as chokecherries, cherries, or cranberries)

6 tbsp beef tallow or vegetable shortening.