Sage harvesters from  the Defence Indigenous Advisory Group (DIAG) were out around the CFB Shilo on Aug. 9 collecting the herb for medicinal and cleansing purposes. Photo K-J Millar/Shilo Stag.

K-J Millar
Shilo Stag

For the second year in a row, a group of harvesters from the Defence Indigenous Advisory Group (DIAG) participated in sage collection around CFB Shilo on Aug. 9.

The team was led by Tricia Harpe, co-chair of DIAG, who said the harvesting was significant because it allows the group to provide the essential herb used in healing and cleansing.

Brian Poole, member of DIAG, said there are many spots on the base where sage grows in plentiful patches and a number of groups, such as the training center, use it so Indigenous recruits can access it, among others.

“We are picking it for medicine. Sage is used for cleansing,” he said.

The DIAG smudge every morning before starting the work day or meetings.

“It allows us to have good thoughts, speak good thoughts and hear good thoughts.”

The sage will be hung up to dry for about a week, Poole said, then it will be put to use for the many events held on base like Indigenous Awareness Week, Indigenous Day, Indigenous Veterans Day on Nov. 8, and others.

The sage is recognizable by its bluish-green hue to the leaves, with the female stalks growing longer than the males also having small round seeds on the top of the twig.

For the 2023 harvesting, Harpe predetermined sites for the collection as sometimes it gets mown as part of regular grounds upkeep. The base environmental group has sectioned off some areas where sage grows, but it is found “all over” the base, she said.

“You don’t just want to go out and cut the sage. There’s a ceremony where tobacco is thrown and praise is offered. We thank the Elders, we thank Mother Earth,” Harpe said.

Brian Poole, a member of DIAG was out on Aug.9 collecting sage to dry for Indigenous cultural purpose including cleansing and healing. Photo K-J Millar/Shilo Stag.

Collected sage on Aug. 9 show the male and female stalks. Female stalks are longer and have small seeds at the tips. Photo K-J Millar/Shilo Stag.

A group of harvesters collected sage on Aug. 9 from around CFB Shilo as part of DIAGs efforts to promote and sustain Indigenous culture by supplying the necessary herb for medicine, healing and cleansing. Photo K-J Millar/Shilo Stag.