Our Sacred Land of Phezúta

Plants of all kinds fill a blooming landscape--and offer healing and knowledge to benefit those who connect with phezúta (medicines) and give thanks for their bounty.

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 phezúta, or medicines. They help her 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 Chaŋíčaȟpehu (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. Together, Grandmother and Granddaughter offer Čhaŋsása (Tobacco) to honor each plant in their path.

Granddaughter cherishes these lessons and the gifts of phezúta. 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.

Through words and images, this tender story from educator and healer Tanaǧidaŋ To Wiŋ Tara Perron, illustrated with evocative ledger-style artwork by Holly Young, highlights the treasures of an abundant prairie landscape.

Tanaǧidaŋ To Wiŋ Tara Perron is a writer and educator. Her publications include Takóza: Walks with the Blue Moon Girl, Animals of Kheya Wita, Animals of Nimaamaa-aki, and Awánkičhiyaka pi: Take Care of Each Other. She enjoys sharing her Indigenous culture, language, art, and healing traditions through classes, tours, and her Blue Hummingbird Woman Indigenous Gift Shop in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Holly Young (Thizáptaŋna/Wičhíyena Dakota, Standing Rock Reservation) was raised by her grandmother in a rural area of the Standing Rock Reservation in North Dakota. She is committed to preserving and sharing traditional Dakota floral styles and designs through her beadwork, quillwork, and ledger art, which are seeds from which her vision grows. Through art, she affirms herself as a Dakota woman and mother by practicing Winyan Omniciye, the circle of sharing knowledge: What you learn, you give back.