We recently had the honor of speaking with Patricia Mabin on why she started Pemmican Patty, what pemmican is, and how the creation of her line of products has drawn her closer to her own indigenous heritage. Read the full interview below!

Why did you start Pemmican Patty?

I was at a crossroad in my life and was looking for the next chapter. This “Legacy Project” has been an opportunity to honor our ancestors, carry on our culture, and create something for future generations. It was an opportunity to connect with my family members both past and present and (hopefully) share the beautiful blend of wisdom of the past and knowledge of today in a good way.

What is Pemmican, and what is its significance to you personally?

Traditional pemmican is a  mixture of dried meat and fat that was used as a means to preserve food before refrigeration, to survive lean times when food might be scarce, and as a trade item when necessary. It represents the creativity, resilience, and determination of Indigenous people to adapt to circumstances in a good way and maintain their presence for future generations.

What can people who haven’t tried Pemmican expect from the flavor and texture of Bisonberry Blends?

Ours is NOT traditional pemmican. We set out to create a modern-day product based on an age-old recipe. The nutritional needs of our ancestors were very different to those of today. Their lifestyles were drastically different than ours, therefore ours is a modern-day version of a pemmican recipe. You can expect to taste a blend of flavors that naturally occur in the bison grazelands, for instance, bison, blueberries and sage.

What is your favorite way to enjoy Bisonberry Blends bars?

I try to limit sodium and sugar in my diet and can count on Bisonberry Blends bars to satisfy cravings when I want a snack. I love to share them as a gift to others that might need a pick-me-up in their heart or otherwise.

What was important to you as you developed the recipes for your Bisonberry Blends bars?

Our goal was to stay as close to the ingredients that were available to our ancestors. Our initial product was made of dried meat, dried berries, sunflower seeds and maple syrup. Due to USDA regulations and the cost of bison, we altered our recipe to meet commercial standards.

Where is Pemmican Patty based, and where do you source your ingredients?

Our company is based in Bismarck, ND. In our commitment to sustainability, we source our ingredients throughout the Great Plains and from Native communities when possible.

How has the creation of Pemmican Patty drawn you closer to your own heritage?

Our entire family, young and old, have connected with each other to learn/share stories with each other.  Among many things, we have learned that our Métis heritage is truly a blend of Indigenous and European cultures. Ours in particular leads back to the origin of our Turtle Mountain Tribe (my mother) and the Mayflower (my father)!

How can our co-op community support & learn more about Pemmican Patty?

Thank you for asking.  Your community can learn more about our story and products by visiting our website at www.pemmicanpatty.com and following us on social media. Chi Miigwech!