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English Titles

		The Sacred Herbs Theresa Meuse-Dallien Illustrations: Arthur Stevens Truro, N.S.: Eastern Woodland Publishing, 2000. 7 p. (Come Learn About First Nation Culture) ISBN 0968632092 Ages 4 to 8
The Sacred Herbs Source

Matthew's friend Jeremy asked him why he kept herbs in his room. Matthew explained that the sacred herbs are called sweet grass, cedar, sage and tobacco, and that they are used in prayers. Sometimes, the herbs are sprinkled as an offering to the Creator to give thanks; at other times, the herbs are burned in a Smudging Ceremony. The smoke takes their prayers to the Creator and purifies the body. It is believed that the smoke helps people to think good thoughts, speak good words and walk on good paths.

Through her visits to public schools, the author realized that the school system lacked materials and information on Mi'kmaq sharing customs. This prompted her to write a series of seven stories: The Eagle Feather, The Dream Catcher, The Sacred Herbs, The Medicine Pouch, The Medicine Wheel, The Talking Circle and The Drum. These stories were published separately by Eastern Woodland Publishing and illustrated by Arthur Stevens. In 2003, Nimbus took over publishing and distribution rights, and released the stories as an anthology.

–LS