Indigenous peoples have practiced traditional medicine since time immemorial. For thousands of years, they developed a deep connection with nature and the land, and not surprisingly became experts on the healing properties of nature. In this regular feature of the newsletter, we will explore, with the help of our Elders, traditional medicines and how we can use them today.

The Power of Sage

In a new feature for the newsletter, we will explore the power of traditional medicines with the Elders. In this edition we explore the importance of sage, one of the main medicines for Indigenous people that also includes sweetgrass, tobacco and cedar.

Sage is associated with the eastern direction of the medicine wheel and is used in ceremony for smudging. Sage is used for releasing what is troubling the mind and for removing negative energy. It is also used for cleansing homes and sacred items.  Indigenous ancestors also used different varieties of sage for medicinal purposes.

“Our ancestors knew sage was healing.  It gets rid of negativity, brings in positivity and wellness when it’s burned,” says Maria Reed, one of Xyólheméylh’s respected Ojibway /Métis Elders.

Maria cites a scientific experiment that was done with sage. They measured the air born bacteria before a room was smudged with sage, and then after. They found 93 per cent of the air born bacteria was gone after smudging. After sealing the room off for a month, they repeated the test and found it was still 93 per cent free of bacteria.

Maria tells the story of doing a smudge at Sofie’s Place in Surrey – a place where abused children go for help. In her role as an Elder with Circle 5, Maria was asked to perform a smudge with another Elder. She says, due to the nature of the work, the staff were tense and most of them had never smudged before. Maria says the staff were amazed at how peaceful and relaxed they felt after the smudge.

“There is magic in sage,” says Maria.

Multi-Purpose Stinging Nettle

Stinging Nettle is a truly impressive plant that can be used for everything from boosting your immune system, to helping with depression, to keeping your hair shiny and smooth. Abundant in the Pacific Northwest, stinging nettle is harvested in the late spring and a staple for Indigenous households.

Rich in vitamins A, complex B, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and iron, stinging nettle can be added to a diet in the same way spinach is used. Julie George, one of Xyólheméylh’s respected Stó:lō Elders, grew up with stinging nettle and explains its uses. “My grandmother would pick it from the roots, boil it or fry it in butter. She would also grind it up and add it to scones or soup,” says Julie, who has continued the tradition. She also makes tea with it which she steeps for 24 hours to extract the nutrients, as well as smoothies.

Julie explains that in addition to being a great nutrient, it can also stimulate brain chemistry and bring balance to the mind. Traditionally, Indigenous people believed it could help women with fertility and that if you hit yourself with the leaves, it could stimulate blood flow.

In addition to the nutritional value, it also has topical qualities and can be used as a hair conditioner or for healing skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema.

Dr. Wenona Hall is Stó:lō, a mother of three and a member of the Ts’elxweyexw Tribe. Her First Nation community is Sq’ewqéyl. Wenona’s ancestral name is Ts’qwelemot and she also carries the name Qwi:qwelstom. She holds the position of Vice President of the Board.

Wenona has a M.A. degree in Stó:lō Justice and a PhD in Indigenous Governance. She is an Associate Professor at UFV and teaches in the Indigenous Studies program. As part of her PhD research, she studied pre-contact Stó:lō Governance with a particular interest in how it relates to families and child welfare. She believes strengthening families is necessary, but that we also need to look at how the current colonial policy and legislation contributes to the over-representation of Indigenous children in care.

One of Wenona’s priorities is ensuring agency policies and procedures are in line with the remedial nature of the Child Family and Community Service Act of BC and the new legislation – UNDRIP, DRIPA and the Act Respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis Children Youth and Families (2019). She wants to strengthen policies to stem the removal of Indigenous children from First Nation communities and families.

“We need a paradigm shift in how we implement child protection services that is based on Indigenous ways of caring for children,” says Wenona. “That is, a true Indigenous social work paradigm grounded in Indigenous ways of knowing and doing, rather than simply ‘Indigenizing’ the western (European) based social work practice. The former is guided by Stó:lō laws (Syuwá:lelh) and places our families as paramount, the latter is grounded in Western law and Eurocentric thought.”

Wenona is inspired by her children Jade, Justice and Alex Victor. “They have been my greatest teachers. They patiently guide me and urge me to be a better person,” says Wenona. “My Si:yólexwe (Old People) and Siyólexwálh (ancestors) motivate me, when I see all that they have accomplished, done and overcome to make our world a better place, I want to do same.”

Wenona has seen positive change with the agency but believes it still has a long way to go. “We still have not addressed the over-representation of Indigenous children in care – in fact, it has increased - this over-representation tells us we have a systemic problem that needs to be addressed. Within our agency, the changes have been mostly structural and organizational, and while these changes are important, we now need substantive change if we are sincere in addressing this systemic problem. This is exciting change that will require us all to work together; a change to which we can all take pride. Let’s do it together and as my Uncle Herb always says “do it in a good way!”

Wenona urges staff at Xyólheméylh to learn about Canada’s colonial impacts on Indigenous families, to “decolonize” our thoughts and to recognize how strong and resilient they are.  “Always ask ‘where did I learn that?’ Is this source valid, reliable, and credible? If it was your Granny, the answer is always yes😊” says Wenona.

Wenona knows that the work staff do is not easy. “Do your own healing work, work together, help each other, support one another, be patient and always, always be kind. Involve the child’s family AND community in the decision-making process right away,” says Wenona.