About Pejuta Coffee
Where Culture, Community, and Exceptional Coffee Meet
Oglala Lakota Owned • Fair Trade Focused • Culture Driven
Pejuta Coffee is a 100% Native American/Indigenous-owned and operated business, founded by Arthur J. Harvey, an Oglala Lakota entrepreneur. We proudly bring together world-class specialty coffee and traditional Indigenous teas with deep respect for the land, the people who grow it, and the rich cultural heritage that connects them all.
Our Name and Roots
In the Lakota language, coffee is poetically called Pejuta Sapa — "black medicine." This name reflects both its deep, dark color and its restorative, energizing qualities that have supported elders and communities for generations. It is also known as Wakalyapi, meaning "they boil it," honoring the simple, time-honored process of brewing.
By naming our company Pejuta Coffee, we carry forward this cultural legacy while sharing it with the world.
Our Coffee
We source our coffees through Temecula Coffee Roasters, a respected partner that carefully selects beans from the world's most renowned growing regions — including the highlands of Aceh, Indonesia (home of the traditional Giling Basah wet-hulling process), the volcanic terraces of Kintamani, Bali, and beyond. Every batch is chosen for exceptional flavor, quality, and traceability, roasted in small batches to let each origin shine.
Our coffees are:
- Fair Trade certified through FairTrade America, ensuring farmers receive fair wages and work under ethical conditions.
- Backed by expertise from organizations dedicated to coffee excellence, including membership in the National Coffee Association and World Coffee Research.
From single-origin pour-overs to bold blends, every cup delivers rich aroma, nuanced flavor, and the satisfaction of knowing your purchase supports both global farming communities and Indigenous values.
Indigenous Teas & Traditions
Before commercial coffee and tea reached our communities, the Sioux and other Indigenous nations created wahpe k'alyapi (herbal teas) and Che' yaka from native plants, flowers, and roots harvested with care from places like the Black Hills. These traditional brews provided medicine, comfort, and connection to the earth.
We honor that heritage by offering a selection of premium, culturally inspired teas alongside our coffee. Each sip is a bridge between ancient wisdom and modern enjoyment.
Something for Every Cup
Whether you're a seasoned coffee explorer or just beginning your journey, we have something for you:
- Single Origins — Taste the terroir of a specific farm or region, cup by cup.
- Blends — Thoughtfully composed for balance, complexity, and everyday drinkability.
- Flavored Coffees — Playful, aromatic, and crafted with real ingredients.
- Indigenous-Inspired Teas — A bridge between ancient tradition and modern ritual.
- Coffee Pods — The same artisan quality, in a convenient format for busy mornings.
- Sample Packs — The perfect way to explore our range and find your new favorite.
Our Commitment
As a Native-owned business, Pejuta Coffee is deeply rooted in respect for Mother Earth. We source beans responsibly, support sustainable practices, and celebrate the role coffee has played in Indigenous communities — from pre-Columbian caffeinated "black drinks" made from yaupon holly to coffee's place in storytelling, trade, and daily life today.
Every bag you purchase helps sustain Indigenous entrepreneurship, fair trade farming communities, and the preservation of cultural knowledge.
Join Our Circle
Whether you're looking for your new favorite morning ritual, a thoughtful gift, or a connection to something deeper, Pejuta Coffee welcomes you.
Thank you for supporting a Native-owned business and for sharing in the spirit of Pejuta Coffee — the black medicine that brings people together.
— Arthur J. Harvey & the Pejuta Coffee Family