Pemmican

From Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail:

While not clearly mentioned by name in the journals, it’s very likely the men of the Corps learned how to make pemmican – the long-lasting mixture of meat, berries and fat. This high-calorie, high- protein “energy bar” has been made and eaten by native peoples, traders, trappers and explorers for centuries. 

On April 14, 1805, here’s what Captain Lewis wrote about pemmican in his journal: “The principal inducement with the British fur companies, for continuing their establishments on the Assinniboin river, is the Buffaloe meat and grease they procure from the Assinniboins, and Christanoes.” (Assiniboine were also known as the Hohe or Nakota. Christanoes were the Cree people.)

Making your own pemmican is a relatively easy process – and here’s an authentic Cree recipe, as prepared by Elder Sandy Masty: https://youtu.be/oHkl8i97Mq0. 




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