The Four Sacred Medicines: Sage, West

#Teachers! Check out the Lesson Plan for this DWF LIVE here: http://downiewenjack.ca/lessonplans Sarah Loretta Schuster (Zhaawashkwaa-Giizhigong-Biish-Kwe) is an Anishinaabe community organizer, hand drummer, traditional craft artist, and medicine gardener with maternal ties to Lac des Mille Lacs First Nation in Northwestern Ontario. Sarah hosts this four-part series, exploring the spiritual, cultural, and practical significance of the four sacred medicines – tobacco, sweetgrass, sage, and cedar – through storytelling, teachings, and hands-on demonstrations. Throughout this series, Sarah guides viewers through each medicine’s harvesting, preparation, ceremonial protocols, and living practices, emphasizing relationship, reciprocity, and connection to the medicine wheel. This episode focuses on sage, or mashkodewashk in Anishinaabemowin, a medicine known for its cleansing and purifying properties. Sarah discusses the different types of sage and which varieties can grow in our region, and offers teachings on how to harvest and bundle the medicine with care. She also speaks to the importance of ethically sourcing sage – and shares what tending to this plant has taught her about humility and renewal. This video is suitable for all ages.