393 - Shelter Belt Cedar

Cedar: A cleansing Ally to support the people...

The aromatic cedar tree emerges as a sacred ally, for many reasons. For our people, cedar embodies a profound connection to their heritage. During prayers often cedar leaves will be burned to honor the Wakinyan, and this timeless relationship between the people, plants and elements. The leaves are dried and then burned during sweat lodge ceremonies. Its smoke is believed to cleanse both body and spirit. Woven into the fabric of their spirituality, cedar is a conduit for prayers and a bridge to the sacred.

There are many healing uses of the cedar tree. Pitch or sap from this tree is antibacterial and is used in making salves. A decoction of the leaves is used to treat colds and flu symptoms. A decoction of the leaves and stems is used to treat coughs, colds, and tuberculosis and is also effective in treating dandruff.

In the practical realm, cedar's sturdy wood finds purpose in crafting tools and shelter. Its pliability lends itself to the creation of baskets, cradling both sustenance and tradition. Cedar, with its enduring presence, becomes a living testament to the people's harmonious relationship with the earth, a fragrant reminder of their intertwined journey through time.