Contemporary Use of Wild Fruits by the Lakota in South Dakota and Implications for Cultural Identity

Abstract

We present modern-day uses of traditionally used wild fruits among the Lakota on Rosebud Reservation as determined from interviews conducted in 2012. We quantify modern-day uses of wild fruits for food, beverages, tonics, medicines (physical and/or spiritual), and crafts. Use of buffaloberries, buffalo currants, chokecherries, riverbank grapes, plums, rosehips, and other plant parts remain as customs among the Lakota although the knowledge and practice of using wild fruits may be waning. Many interviewees implied that traditional uses of wild fruits could help sustain cultural identity.