BEAR GREASE

I am fortunate to be friends with the local meat processor in my area who allows me to trade for the fat of one bear each season. (The bear would already be dead regardless of whether or not I am given the fat or not.) It is an emotional process because although I am not involved in the bears' death, I do make myself look at the bear that gave it's life. It's a humble experience and sometimes there are tears involved. Asemaa and a prayer for the bears' spirit is given. The bear fat is processed in a good way and traded or made into body butter and lip balm.   Trading used to be an integral part of Ojibwe life, however, the times have changed and our world runs off money. I trade bear grease to honor my Ojibwe heritage and because it is fun. I have met so many wonderful people.