Wo Lakota Making Wasna

As Native American Heritage Month comes to a close we continue a Lakota family tradition of making at home, wasna as a way of honoring our ancestors. With the right ingredients it\’s easy to prepare at home. We share here how we make ours.

Start with grounded choke berries.  

Mix with grounded dry deer meat.

Add a touch of melted deer kidney fat.

Sauté in a pan (a cast iron pan works best).

Once sufficiently mixed and heated you have wa la,wasna, a traditional spirit food delicious as it is good for you.  Wasn is high in protein and an excellent source of energy which is why it was an important food for our ancestors.

Start or revive a tradition in your own home by preparing this spirit food for your family.

Send us a reply to share your experiences or your own special ingredients.