Vineland in Mille Lacs County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Medicine Garden

Photographed by McGhiever, May 29, 2025

1. Medicine Garden Marker

Inscription.
Anishibaabe people use four sacred medicines. Three are growing here:

• Asemaa (tobacco)
• Wiingashk (sweetgrass)
• Wayaabishkaabagak (sage)
• Giizhik (cedar)

Asemaa (tobacco) is used for ceremonies. It is offered when seeking help, guidance, or protection.

A pipe is filled with asemaa and smoked before important gatherings. The smoke from the asemaa carries thoughts and prayers to the Creator.

Wiingashk (sweetgrass) leaves have a soothing vanilla scent.

Burning wiingashk attracts good spirits. After harvesting, the grass is usually braided. Wiingashk is also used for crafting. It is sewn to birchbark to make sweetgrass baskets.

Wayaabishkaabagak (sage) is brewed as tea. It is burned to purify the air.

The tea improves memory, lowers cholesterol levels, and eases menopause. Invite positive energy or spirits by "smudging" or burning wayaabishkaabagak.

Learn the Ojibwe Language
Asemaa (ah-SAY-mah): tobacco
Wiingashk (WEEN-gahshk): sweetgrass
Wayaabishkaabagak (way-ah-bish-KAH-bay-gayk): sage
Giizhik (GEE-zhick): cedar

Erected by Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post.

Topics.

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This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Horticulture & Forestry • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Science & Medicine.

Location. 46° 10.562′ N, 93° 45.345′ W. Marker is in Vineland, Minnesota, in Mille Lacs County. It can be reached from the intersection of Oodena Drive and U.S. 169, on the right when traveling east. The marker is at the Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post, at the demonstration gardens east of the Trading Post. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 43411 Oodena Dr, Onamia MN 56359, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Minnesota.

It is also in the American Midwest

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once Rupert’s Land,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Okosimaan (a few steps from this marker); Water is Life

Medicine Garden and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by McGhiever, May 29, 2025

2. Medicine Garden and Marker

(a few steps from this marker); Mandaamin (a few steps from this marker); Meet the Three Sisters (a few steps from this marker); Mashkodiisiminag (a few steps from this marker); Harry & Jeannette Ayer House (within shouting distance of this marker); Tourist Cottage (within shouting distance of this marker); Mille Lacs Indian Boat Works (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Vineland.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 30, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 13, 2026, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota. This page has been viewed 14 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 13, 2026, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota.