In recent years, herbal medicine has enjoyed a revived popularity in North American culture.

Our people’s intimate relationship with, and respect for, the Earth helped us to understand how these plants were used and where to find them. Medicines were made into drinks or teas, while others were used as poultices, or heated pads applied to the sick or injured parts of the body.

Illustration by Christopher Hoyt

The Shaman

If herbal cures alone could not provide a cure, the shaman, or puoin, was asked to heal the sick. Highly respected and in touch with the spirits, the shaman looked after the spiritual and physical well-being of his community.