Join us for a 20-minute documentary called Saging the World to learn about the importance of white sage conservation, restoration, and education in response to the active poaching of this culturally significant native plant. The documentary will be followed by a discussion panel, speakers including the film's producer Rose Ramirez, and Robert Dorame, our Gabrielino Tongva local tribal Elder. 

The global craze for sage smoke smudge sticks has resulted in black market poaching and illegal harvesting of the plant in the wild, leading to a decline in plant numbers in native habitats that is threatening its long-term ecological viability. Equally as important is the cultural impact on our Indigenous communities, who treat the plant as a relative, not a thing to be exploited. White Sage is used medicinally, in sacred rituals, teachings, and ceremonies, as well as being an important food source for bees, butterflies, birds, deer, rabbit, and other wildlife.