A couple years ago I was invited by my intertribal group to rescue white sage from a field which was going to be plowed over. White sage is sacred to many indigenous peoples on the American continent and is used religiously, ceremonially, medicinally and hygienically. When members were invited to gather, we were told to “ come with a good heart.”

The field was overcast… full of shovels and smiles as we dug and carried transplants to our cars.

Today, as in days before, I go to where our plant thrives in Meadow Arc, remember my ancestors, imagine them walking and harvesting, feel them in my bones, listen for them in my breath.

Rinse my hair in memories of our people.