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I find it fascinating and surprising that the wellness industry has picked up on the Indigenous practice of saging.
Iryna Mylinska/Getty Images
Though those brands eventually stopped selling the kits, saging is still alive and well on social media.
In fact, #saging hasmore than 20 million viewson TikTok.
Many people in our communities didnt grow up learning about our spirituality at all.
And those of us who did have often been met with barriers.
Thats why the issue of cultural appropriation rings false for so many of us.
I regret to say that my two favorite castmates, Garcelle and Crystal, were the perpetrators.
They laughed and carried on.
Non-Indigenous viewers might not think anything of that.
But for those of us who grew up honoring plant medicine as sacred, the scene isnt funny.
By mocking smudging, those women were suggesting that our spirituality is a joke.
I wondered:Why even use it if you dont actually respect it or believe in it?
Is thatReal Housewivesscene the worst incident of discrimination Ive ever witnessed?
Thats why its such an important example: It shows that discrimination isnt always loud and obvious.
I dont believe that most people want to mock or mimic our culture.
I believe that they want to respect it.
Educate yourself about common examples of cultural appropriation of Indigenous culture in wellness.
Likewise, the tourists participating arent equipped with the cultural understanding necessary to reap its full benefits.
Aside from these safety and efficacy concerns, the retreats themselves are culturally appropriative.
Our ceremonies are private, free events.
Theyve spent their lives studying and apprenticing to continue these spiritual practices.
Even when Indigenous leaders do create such guidelines, there are exceptions.
Watch out for these so-called gurus who are probably not endorsed by the communities they claim.
While self-branded medicine people might seem harmless, their services should not be confused with authentic Indigenous practices.
Misuse of Indigenous face paint, body paint, and regalia.
This is derogatory and disrespectful.
Support Indigenous cultural practicesand peoplewithout appropriating.
On the other hand, many of us have seen incredible progress take place in the recent past too.
Fortunately, Indigenous representation in wellness culture is getting better too.
As far as the wellness worlds relationship to Indigenous people, were in a state of growing pains.
Our communities continue to be experts in this approach.
Recognizing and learning from this worldview can help allies engage with Indigenous teachings respectfully.
I hope youll join us too.
