Kinnikinnick
Kinnikinnick is more than the tobacco used in the Sacred Pipe, it is the sacred material that is for almost all offerings to the Great Spirit. When ever a Native American took something he always left an offering of tobacco to the spirit of that which
he took. If he killed a deer or rabbit for food he would always leave a pinch of tobacco for the animals spirit along with a prayer of thanks to the animal for giving his life to allow for the good of his people. When gathering plants for food, medicine,
crafts, etc. a pinch of tobacco was always left with thanks for the plants sacrifice.
Kinnikinnick, this is the blend of plant material that is smoked in the Sacred Pipe. Most written material will refer to Kinnikinnick as being the plant
Bearberry (Uva Ursa). In fact Kinnikinnick is a blend of plants. Different tribes used different blends. You use the plants that are grown with in your area. These blends contain plants like the Bearberry, Red Willow, Sage, Black tobacco, Native Tobacco,
or what ever the Great Spirit had provided. Much of the tobacco that is used is that which has been presented to the Pipe Carrier for doing special ceremonies of healing or honoring.
No person visited the Medicine Man or Pipe Carrier with out a gift of tobacco. If they were asking for something in exchange, whether it be a ceremony, or just advise.
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