For our last assignment of the semester we are instructed to explore the cyberspace for Indigenous knowledge advertising. In that case, our first task is to search “indigenous knowledge” in a primary search engine like Google. When you Google “indigenous knowledge” a collection of books and a series of website used to define indigenous knowledge appear. As you begin to refine your product search, Google’s shop tab helps narrow your product search down to show the most popular buys related to your search words. While I perused the first few pages, Google showed me bundles of different kinds of sage. Ironically enough, I just purchased a Sage stick from a local vendor on Granville Island. Nonetheless, one particular link forwarded me to an Etsy
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This posting on Etsy comes from the “OdditiesandTheOccult” seller, who advertises Sage Smudge Sticks for $6.70 CAD per stick. The product is advertised as handmade, and removes unwanted energy, used to bless and cleanse spaces and the products comes from a ranch in Colorado. Apparently, the Sage is farmed in a “natural non tainted spiritual” way and is cultivated by “spiritual people”. Also, the seller, Dylan Ortiz also sells raccoon and beaver skulls. On the Etsy page there is no mention of any Indigenous knowledge or communities that use Sage. Not to mention, that there isn’t any indication of the appropriate culture use of Sage. I have noticed as of recently, that western culture has really taken to the concepts of alternative medicines and holistic health. Other mainstream companies like Saje in BC, also sell Sage bundles in their store fronts without any mention of Indigenous knowledge. I feel that this consumer friendly advertising of Sage undermines the value of it in indigenous communities. From my understanding Sage is valued, respected and sacred plant that is used in ceremonies. Lastly, the language used on the site devalues and is very patronizing to Indigenous populations. For example, how do you farm things spiritually? What does that even mean? I noticed that using trigger words that create popular hype like “spiritual” or “cleanse” are used to sell products but without
This posting on Etsy comes from the “OdditiesandTheOccult” seller, who advertises Sage Smudge Sticks for $6.70 CAD per stick. The product is advertised as handmade, and removes unwanted energy, used to bless and cleanse spaces and the products comes from a ranch in Colorado. Apparently, the Sage is farmed in a “natural non tainted spiritual” way and is cultivated by “spiritual people”. Also, the seller, Dylan Ortiz also sells raccoon and beaver skulls. On the Etsy page there is no mention of any Indigenous knowledge or communities that use Sage. Not to mention, that there isn’t any indication of the appropriate culture use of Sage. I have noticed as of recently, that western culture has really taken to the concepts of alternative medicines and holistic health. Other mainstream companies like Saje in BC, also sell Sage bundles in their store fronts without any mention of Indigenous knowledge. I feel that this consumer friendly advertising of Sage undermines the value of it in indigenous communities. From my understanding Sage is valued, respected and sacred plant that is used in ceremonies. Lastly, the language used on the site devalues and is very patronizing to Indigenous populations. For example, how do you farm things spiritually? What does that even mean? I noticed that using trigger words that create popular hype like “spiritual” or “cleanse” are used to sell products but without