About SAGE HOPE

Sage Hope is a program of Bravery Beyond Betrayal focusing on the healing journey of Native American Indians. 

We are implementing programs that integrates teaching and small groups (learning circles) to help an individual express their stories locked away in silence. This is done within a 3 to 5-day intensive. During this time, two facilitators within a single learning circle establish a safe environment for each person within the circle. We aim to train individuals to facilitate our curriculum and send them to create their own Sage Hope Learning Circles in their families and communities. We have an evidence-based program connected to Family Wellness Warriors serving Alaskan natives and its forerunner, Open Heart Ministries.

Our goal is to train Native Americans to encourage communities of care where stories of pain, violence, and betrayal can be spoken and heard in a safe environment.

Trauma is “an emotional wound or shock that creates substantial, lasting damage to the psychological development of a person.” Without healing, trauma may continue at high levels possibly causing psychological, physical, social, and spiritual damage.

Historical trauma is the cumulative, multigenerational, collective experience of emotional and psychological injury in communities and in descendants. One of the most familiar examples of historical trauma is that experienced by Native Americans. Traumatic events, such as forced relocation, genocide, or the abduction of youth to more than 350 government-funded boarding schools, caused lasting impacts on Native American communities. Resurfacing of these events, such as investigations into the abuse and deaths suffered by thousands of Native American children at residential boarding schools in the United States and Canada, can cause retraumatization.  

The practice of burning medicinal or sacred plants has been utilized worldwide for centuries. In America, the practice was utilized by many Native American tribes who used the sacred smoke to purify, bless and spiritually cleanse themselves and their surroundings. Many believe that herbs’ power and healing properties can rid a person or place of unwanted thoughts, sadness, anxieties, spirits, impurities, poor health, and unwanted energy or emotions. The cleansing leaves behind good spirits and peace and harmony for both individuals and the environment.

The burning takes place in a shell or clay bowl while prayers of gratitude and wellbeing are said aloud. The smoke is traditionally fanned using a feather or the hand to direct the smoke over or person or throughout a living space.

Four elements are involved in smudging, a central theme in many Native American rites.

• The container, traditionally a shell, represents water.
• Sacred plants, such as cedar, sage, sweetgrass, and tobacco, represent gifts from mother earth.
• The flame used to ignite the sacred plants represents fire.
• The feather or hand to wave the smoke represents air.

Smudging is often performed before a ceremony or special gathering. It is also conducted after an argument to “clear the air” when moving into a new home, when individuals are sick, and on various other occasions. Smudging is still practiced worldwide and is regarded with utmost recognition and respect. It is a practice that should always be performed with intention, reverence, and deep gratitude to those who came before us.