Native Issues
Cultural Preservation
Jul 23, 2025

Métis professor restores sacred sage field mowed on Alberta campus


A sage field on the University of Alberta’s Augustana campus, protected for years by Métis professor Willow White, was accidentally mowed down in May, according to CBC News. White began working to preserve the sacred site after joining the campus in 2022, creating a plant walk that features signs with Indigenous language and cultural teachings.

White, a citizen of the Métis Nation of Alberta, collaborated with elders, knowledge holders and students on the project. Following the mowing, students, faculty and alumni joined her to pull invasive weeds and support regrowth. “There’s a community of care now around the field where three years ago that didn’t exist,” White said. The university issued an apology by email.

July 23, 2025

Help us keep the fire burning, make a donation to Buffalo’s Fire

For everyone who cares about transparency in Native affairs: We exist to illuminate tribal government. Our work bridges the gap left by tribal-controlled media and non-Native, extractive journalism, providing the insights necessary for truly informed decision-making and a better quality of life. Because the consequences of restricted press freedom affect our communities every day, our trauma-informed reporting is rooted in a deep, firsthand expertise.

Every gift helps keep the fire burning. A monthly contribution makes the biggest impact. Cancel anytime.

Continue
Register for the free Buffalo's Fire Newsletter.