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Shoshone-Bannock History in Idaho
PART I OF II: 2008's historic Idaho Democratic Convention, held in Boise, ID, June 12-14, invited Idaho Native American Tribal members from the Shoshone-Bannock/Fort Hall, Shoshone-Paiute/Duck Valley, Nez Perce, and Coeur D'Alene tribal communities to take an active part in the convention activities. On June 12th, the Idaho AFL-CIO hosted a Democratic picnic for convention goers. Mr. Ted Howard, Cultural Resource Director, Duck Valley, spoke to picnic participants about the Shoshone-Paiute-Bannock history in the Boise Valley area. 9:49 minutes.

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Shopping->Herbs: Sage and Sweetgrass as Smudge Sticks

Posted on Saturday, October 23 @ 01:01:47 CDT

Piñon/Sage Smudge Stick... KEYWORDS: sage stick sage smudge ceremonial smudge stick desert sage dessert sage pinyon sage sweetgrass braid smudge sticks

Smudge Sticks or Smudge Bundles are all-natural ceremonial incense traditionally burned in Native American rituals such as sweat lodges. Increasingly, doctors, therapists, and body workers are discovering the beneficial aspects of these herbs.

Stumble It!

Not only good for keeping pesky flying insects away, certain plant smokes (smudges) could preserve food and hides. Some smudges could also impart protection from unseen spirits and thoughts.

To apply the protective cleansing power of a smudge, a leaf or resin is heated to make smoke that is brushed over the person or object, often with a feather fan.

Some plant smokes have specific healing properties while others more generic powers. The smudge smoke is made either by spreading dry herbs on hot coals or hot rocks or igniting dry herbs in a clay bowl or shell.

Desert sagebrush covers much of the high plateau of the western states and is expanding its range. Sagebrush bark has provided fiber for footwear and clothing to the Fremont culture.

Sagebrush grows a protective cover for rabbits and small game, improving their habitat. With its many variations and names, Big Sage Brush, Mountain Ball Sage (Artemesia frigida), Sweet Sage (Artemesia dracunculoderes), Black Sage (Artemesia nova) as well as all its common tribal names, sage is a respected plant family.

Desert sage grows on the high desert of the West. It is traditionally used in ceremonies and included in medicine pouches and bundles. Sage is burned in smudging ceremonies to drive out bad spirits, feelings or influences. The leaves are valued for their aromatic properties and are used as a natural moth repellent.

Sage can be used in numerous ways. Native Americans of the Plains Nations cover the floor of their sweat lodges with sage. They will also breathe through a small bundle of sage and at times rub the bundle on their bodies while in the sweat lodge. Some tribes commonly wrapped their pipes in sage before they bundled them up. They believe that objects wrapped in sage are purified.

Sage wreaths are still placed around Sundancer’s heads, wrists and ankles during the ceremony. ''Sage makes the bad spirits sick. They go away from it when it is burned. It does not make the good spirits sick. They will not leave when it is smoked.

Sweet grass is pleasant to all the spirits. Good spirits like it. Bad spirits like it. All like it. The smoke of sweet grass is pleasant to the good spirits. They come to the smoke. They are pleased with one who makes this smoke. They will listen to what such a one asks. But the bad spirits come also to enjoy the smoke. So, sage must be burned to make them sick. Then, sweet grass is burned to bring good spirits.

Traditional stories and myths tell of the power of sage in that wherever sage is present negative forces cannot enter. In the Inipi ceremony, a sprig of sage is worn behind the right ear to protect the participant and placate the little people.

Sage is best harvested just before it blooms, when oil concentrations in the leaves are strongest. Cut only the top third of each stock so the plant will have enough reserves left to regenerate itself. It is also customary to say a brief prayer, thanking the plant for it's gift. You may optionally scatter a small amount of tobacco as a gift for the spirits.

The sage can then be tied in bundles or "sticks" with string or yarn for easy burning later, or you can store loose leaves in a sandwich baggie and burn it in a shell or clay bowl later. Abalone shells work well for this, since they have holes for natural vents to allow air flow which keeps the herb smoldering for longer periods.