About Us
Bringing Indigenous Flavors to Modern Kitchens
Red Wing Spices LLC was founded by Melody Red Wing and her fiancé, Wayne Richardson, inspired by a shared love of bold flavors and backyard grilling. What began as a personal passion evolved into a purpose-driven mission: to share the rich culinary traditions of Melody's Lakota heritage through a distinctive, modern meat rub.
Each bottle is crafted to elevate your meals while inviting curiosity, connection, and conversation around Native American culture.
Our Mission
Our mission is to bring culture into the kitchen—honoring Indigenous traditions and modern tastes by crafting spice blends that connect flavor with heritage. We believe every meal is an opportunity to share stories, celebrate community, and deepen understanding through taste.
Infuse recipes with authentic Indigenous flavors and stories.
Support Native producers and sustain cultural craftsmanship.
Foster connection and curiosity around every spice blend.
Honoring Heritage
Every bottle of Red Wing Spices carries the essence of Indigenous culinary traditions, reimagined for modern kitchens.
Meet the Founders
The passionate duo behind Red Wing Spices
Melody Red Wing
Melody is Lakota/Dakota on her paternal side and an enrolled member of the Oglala Lakota Nation of Pine Ridge, South Dakota. She is a direct descendant of Chief Red Wing (Tatankamani and Wakute) of the Mdewakanton Dakota and Chief Red Cloud (Mahpiya Luta) of the Oglala Lakota of the Great Sioux Nation.
On her maternal side, she carries the heritage of the Lipan Apache (Lépai-Ndé), one of the ten Apache bands. Raised in the powwow circle, Melody was a competitive Fancy Dancer and remains active in her local Native community.
Her lifelong commitment is to honor her ancestors, preserve her culture, and share its beauty with the world.
Wayne Richardson
Wayne Richardson, co-founder of Red Wing Spices, brings the heat—literally and figuratively. From mastering the art of smoking meats to dialing in the perfect char on the grill, Wayne is the culinary expert who helped craft our signature blends to shine on real flame-cooked food.
His hands-on experience at the smoker was essential in perfecting the Wojapi Meat Rub™. Together with Melody, they built this business rooted in tradition and driven by purpose.
Inspired by Native heritage and their shared love of flavor, they launched Red Wing Spices with The Original Wojapi Meat Rub™—a blend that bridges past and present with its sweet berries, bold smoke, and just the right amount of heat to leave a lasting impression.
"Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate."