About Us  

 

Bringing Indigenous Flavors to Modern Kitchens

Meet Melody and Wayne—the duo behind the first-ever Wojapi Meat Rub. What started as a random conversation on a long drive became something truly groundbreaking: what if we could give Wojapi a modern twist? Wojapi is a traditional Lakota sauce or soup made from boiled wild berries, often used with everything from fry bread to red meats. We knew we had to share this rich heritage in a way everyone could enjoy. Fueled by our love for Wayne’s homemade smoked meats, we set out to transform those wild berries into a perfectly balanced spice blend. After countless test batches chasing just the right sweet-and-savory harmony, we finally perfected the original Wojapi Meat Rub. Part history, part innovation—it’s flavor you can taste and a story you can share.
 
 

our mission

 

We are a Native-owned company reclaiming space at the dinner table. Our mission is to honor and share the rich culinary traditions of Indigenous peoples—starting with Wojapi.

For too long, Native foodways have been overlooked. We’re here to change that. While the world has embraced foods from many cultures, the flavors and stories of the Indigenous remain underrepresented. We’re here to show they’re not lost—they’re alive, evolving, and essential.


Through every spice blend, we:

  • Educate and raise awareness of Indigenous traditions, ingredients, and history.
  • Honor ancestral recipes with a modern twist—designed for today’s kitchens.
  • Create connection by sharing authentic Native flavors with every home

Wojapi isn’t just a meat rub. It’s a story. A legacy. And now, an invitation—to taste, to learn, and to celebrate the resilience of Native culture through food.

Honoring Heritage

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 Shawl 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.

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"Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate."
— Mark 10:9

This Rub Started With a Conversation. Now It’s a Movement.

Taste The Story