“In my childhood, I remember when catnip was used to soothe stomach aches, tobacco to relieve bee stings, sassafras tea to ease pain, and many other plants used as medicines. These traditional practices were part of our lives but gradually diminished over the years, replaced by modern medicine and changing lifestyles.” — Jennifer Graham. This was the experience of Graham and Jacobs (below), members of the Waccamaw Siouan Indian Tribe, who longed to reconnect with their ancestral ways.
In 2019, the Waccamaw Siouan Indian Tribe embarked on an inspiring journey to revive these ancestral practices, partnering with the North Carolina Native Ethnobotany Project. This initiative marked a profound shift, rekindling cultural traditions and restoring the deep connections with the natural world that had been overshadowed over time. This led to the creation of the Healing Green Space, a symbol of hope and resilience for the community. The Healing Green Space became a sanctuary for both the land and the spirit. 
Guided by the Creator and the teachings of their ancestors, the Waccamaw Siouan Indian Tribe found solace in nature’s embrace. Tribal members are able to reconnect with the healing properties of our native plants and some non-native plants, including yaupon holly, catnip, elderberry, sassafras, and mullein. These plants are central to the tribe’s traditions and play a vital role in the tribe’s path to well-being and spiritual restoration. 
A key aspect of the Healing Green Space is its role in fostering intergenerational connections. The space offers a sense of unity and collective healing, where members can meditate, reconnect with nature, and find mental relaxation. By creating educational programs and talking circles, the tribe ensures that younger generations learn about and embrace their heritage, reaffirming the tribe’s commitment to a brighter, healthier future for generations to come.

written by Jennifer Graham of the Waccamaw Siouan Indian Tribe
For more information on the Waccamaw Siouan Tribe, please visit waccamaw-siouan.org.