Our Sacred Land of Pȟezúta

Flowers and leaves, bushes and trees: Earth's garden is full of color and life. These plants are pȟezúta, medicine. Come greet them and learn what secrets they hold.

In the early mornings of summer, I go with my grandmother to pray and visit some of her oldest friends.

"Grandmother, who will we get to visit with today?" I ask.

"Little one, we must listen quietly and see who decides to greet us this morning," she replies.

Grandmother's friends are the plants of her sacred garden.

They are known as pȟezúta, or medicines.

They help Grandmother heal herself and others.

Grandmother's understanding of these plants has been passed down from person to person for generations.

Grandmother and Granddaughter sing a special song to the plants. They say hello to Ispazípa (stinging nettle), to Čhaŋȟdóȟu (broadleaf plantain), to Čhaŋpȟá (chokecherry).

Some of these plants are full of vitamins. Some help soothe stings and pains. Some make tasty and healing syrups.

On this morning walk, Grandmother teaches about the work of our bee relatives. She quizzes Granddaughter about the four sacred plants: Wačháŋǧa (sweetgrass), Ȟaŋté (cedar), Pȟezíȟota (sage), and Čhaŋsása (tobacco).

Together, they offer Čhaŋsása to honor each plant in their path. Granddaughter cherishes these lessons and the gifts of pȟezúta. She is grateful to her grandmother for sharing her wisdom. Perhaps one day, she too will walk in this sacred land with her own granddaughter.

Tara Perron is a writer and educator living in St. Paul. Her publications include Takóza: Walks with the Blue Moon Girl, Animals of Kheya Wita, and Animals of Nimaamaa-aki, as well as select poems. She has taught healing arts and canvas painting in various venues. Tara is a continuous student of Dakota language and culture and also pursues language studies in Anishinaabe.