Honoring the Medicines, Indigenous Peoples, Ancestors, Elders, Wisdom Keepers &
​the Protectors of the Earth

If cultural appropriation is defined as the adoption or exploitation of one culture by a dominant culture for the dominant culture’s benefit, "Cultural Appreciation" could be described as when all cultures involved benefit, not just the dominant culture. Vigilance is required to discern the roles that privilege and power dynamics may be at play to avoid unconscious appropriation. One question to consider is, “Am I taking, enjoying or profiting from a culture without honoring the pain of the culture it had in creating it?” 

I, Vanessa Crites, and my associates are committed to the possibility of reciprocal cultural sharing that honors different cultural legacies in a relational and respectful way. We honor that this desire requires a commitment to ongoing education and developing authentic relationships across cultures.

​Having spent years studying with the Plant Teachers, Indigenous Elders, Healers, and Medicine Peoples, it is always and forever my commitment to honor the roots, origin, tradition and history of Sacred Medicines and I offer a prayer of gratitude and honoring to all the Wisdom Keepers who spent, and in some cases lost, their lives keeping these traditions alive.

I am no shaman or healer, I have no ancestral Medicine lineage that I am aware of, but I have had many Teachers in this lifetime. I employ the teachings of my Elders, Spirits, and Medicines into every element of my work to bring about the most sacred and honorific experience for seekers who chose to work with me.

I am ever on a humble path of study, training, and service to these Sacred Plant Teachers and to the awakening of human consciousness.

​May I always remember.

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My Prayer

First and foremost, always, gratitude for the Ancestors of these lands who lived here long before us going back to the beginning of time. Gratitude and Honoring of the Indigenous peoples who worked with these Medicines in a sacred way for millennia, many whose cultures, traditions, ceremonies, prayers, and songs have been erased from history. We ask for your permission to enter the “world beyond” and ask you to be with us and bless us on our journey as we commune with you and these Sacred Medicines, ever in a good way, in this incarnation on our beloved Planet.

Gratitude, Creator, as we ask for your permission to sit here with you praying in our different ways, that we may be in right relation with you always. We want to come in respect that you feel good about us coming here and communing with you in this way. We do this because we love you, respect you and each other, and we honor deeply the lines and the roots of the medicines and teachings that we carry. 

May I always remain in grateful and humble service.

This is my prayer.
This is my prayer.
​This is my prayer.