The Ignacio High School’s Native American Studies class attended a jerky making lesson at the Multi-Purpose Facility on Wednesday, March 15. Using beef and bison meat, students marinate each piece of meat before setting them to dry in a dehydrator.

After marinating and setting the meat to dry, students then learn to grind pieces of pre-made jerky. Using stones, students practice a traditional way of making ground jerky which can be used for gravy, stew, and other dishes.

Students test their physical strength and use stones to grind pieces of jerky that will later be fried; each student and staff member took a turn grinding the pieces of jerky.

MPF Facilities Op. Manager, Elise Redd teaches the class how to fry their ground jerky to conclude the class. Students learned the cultural importance of making jerky and the hard work it takes to get the final product.

Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | SU Drum