Kumeyaay People have lived in this region since time immemorial. They use native plants for food, medicine, tools, and ceremonies. Their Creators gifted these plants to them, along with knowledge of how to use and care for them. Kumeyaay People’s native plant expertise is important and valuable to all—they know better than anyone what it takes to care for this region’s nature.
Hear from students at Barona Indian Charter School to learn how native plants are used by Kumeyaay People. Learn more by visiting Barona Cultural Center.
Sage smudging has boomed in popularity over recent years—but many are unaware of this trend’s detrimental effects. White sage (Salvia apiana) is often poached to meet high demand. This ripples through the entire ecosystem, impacting not only wildlife but also Indigenous People who have deep cultural ties to the plant. Here’s what students from Barona Indian Charter School think of the issue:
“Kumeyaay People believe white sage is a gift from our Creator. It wasn't supposed to be something to make a profit off of. When marketers take the white sage plant, they aren’t just killing white sage, but also killing the pollinators that help the plant grow.”
Carmen Quintero
“People have been selling white sage for decades and it has to stop. It is ruining wild plants; they are headed toward extinction and really hard to grow from seed. Protect native plants and sacred cultural knowledge.”
Mila Hartwell
“Please do not contribute to the theft of white sage by buying it. It should not be used outside of its ceremonial use by Native People. Those making money on it are ruining the wild plants and it is headed for extinction.”
Retaj Al Hashimi
“It’s important to recognize how people have marketed and made money off of Native beliefs. They are basically taking white sage from the culture. It's very rude.”
Lilly Wilson
“People are stealing large amounts of white sage and not planting it back. Please, please, please, do NOT buy smudging "kits" from big websites. Plant some white sage instead.”
Kiley Jordan Reeder
Throughout our Nature Trail you’ll see plant labels that include Kumeyaay (or 'Iipay Aa) names for plants.
Sometimes, there isn’t a word for a plant even though it is a native species. That doesn’t mean there wasn’t a Kumeyaay name for it at one point in time. Colonization included a concentrated effort to erase Indigenous knowledge and culture, and many words were lost.
Today, Kumeyaay People are working together to revive their language and ensure it is passed on for future generations.