Warrior Girl Unearthed

Content Warning: This section discusses anti-Indigenous and anti-Black racism, murder, and the rape of Indigenous women.

Semaa, or tobacco, is a symbol of Indigenous Knowledge and Tradition. Semaa is not the same thing as commercial tobacco, which has modifications and additives. Semaa is given as an offering “to respect all living things and give thanks to Creation” (Milne, Courtney. “Planting Traditional Medicine: Semaa; Oien’kwa’ón:we.” Pinnguaq). Perry and her community use semaa “when [they] cross the St. Mary’s River” (13). As they cross, Perry gives “thanks to Creator for the river before releasing [her] semaa out of the window to the water” (15). Perry keeps semaa with her in case she needs to offer a prayer.

Semaa is also offered to people in thanks. When the interns prepare to interview Elders, they’re told to ask if the Elder wants to tell a story, ask if they can record it, and offer semaa only after “they say yes to both” (119). This is because, as a traditional offering, if the interns offer the Elders semaa before asking the questions and they accept it, they “might feel like they don’t have a choice” (119). Perry realizes that this is an example of “using semaa in a good way” that is culturally responsible (119).