- Definition
Medicines" are special plants used in some cultures for ceremonies to help people heal, stay healthy, or feel connected spiritually.
Smudging with sage is a ceremony where the smoke from the plant is used for cleansing.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: Sacred medicines are like special plants used with great respect to help people feel healthy and connected, a bit like how a special family tradition makes everyone feel close.
Ask your child: What plants make you feel calm or happy when you see or smell them?
Common mix-up: Kids may think these are like the medicines from a pharmacy for a cough or fever. These sacred medicines are specific plants used in ceremonies for spiritual health and connection.
Examples
- Tobacco can be offered as a sign of respect or gratitude.
- Sweetgrass is sometimes braided and burned to bring in positive energy.
medicines is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
