Educating Our Educators Guide for Staff - Algoma District School ...

Medicines (Four Sacred Plants)Tobacco – East/Yellow/SpiritualSacred to First Nations people, tobacco always comes first. It is considered one of the four original gifts from theCreator. It is used as an offering before harvesting anything from Mother Earth. An offering is placed in a respectful way onthe earth near the plant or animal or stone you wish to take, and permission is asked prior to your taking the item. Thisensures that more will come to take its place in nature. Tobacco is believed to open the door between our world and thespiritual world, so it is used to carry prayers to the Creator. Tobacco is placed in the hand during prayer, then it is left in aspecial place on Mother Earth when you are done, or offered to a sacred fire. In most instances, the proper way to ask afavour of someone is to offer them tobacco wrapped in a small red cloth tied with a ribbon, known as tobacco ties.Tobacco can also be given as cigarettes or a pouch. Offering tobacco establishes a relationship between two people.Sage – West/Black/PhysicalSacred to First Nations people, sage is a woman’s medicine. It is considered one of the four original gifts from theCreator. It is said to be a masculine plant, and it reduces or eliminates negative energy. Often in women’s circles, onlysage is used in the smudge. Sage represents the west. It is the traditional choice of herb to use for smudgingas it is believed to be the most powerful, purifying medicine capable of driving away negative energies thatafflict the aura, mind, body, and soul. It is used to establish a sacred boundary at the beginning of rituals andceremonies. Sage is helpful to remind us of our past and focus on dreams for our life’s journey.Cedar – South/Red/EmotionalSacred to First Nations people, cedar offers us protection and grounding. It is considered one of the four original giftsfrom the Creator. Cedar is used mostly for ceremonies which include making a protective ring around the activitycircle with cedar. Cedar represents the south. It is used to waft smoke in ceremonies and ward away sickness,or clear the air after illness. Cedar tea is especially good to serve during times of teachings and circles, so that allcan keep focused on their task at hand.Sweet Grass – North/White/MentalSacred to First Nations people, sweet grass may be the best known of the plant medicines. Sweetgrass representsthe North and the hair of mother earth. The three fold braid represents the mind, body and spirit. It has thepower to call in positive energies, and carries within it deep wisdom of the earth. It provides clarity to themind and purifies. Sweetgrass creates a sacred place for the spirits to listen, and provide blessings, safety,and protection. It is said to be a feminine plant whose teaching is kindness because it bends without breaking. It isconsidered one of the four original gifts from the Creator. Its braids are unique to Anishinaape culture because it isconsidered to be the hair of Mother Earth; we show respect to her by braiding it before it is picked. Its many purposes areused in basket weaving and other gift items, where it’s gentle sent is renowned.Note: If picking either sage, cedar or sweet grass, an offering of tobacco is made to Mother Earth.sweet grass braidsageEducating Our Educators – Educating Our Aboriginal StudentsRevised March 201152