Juneteenth is a day to honor lineages of Black ancestral knowledge and reflect on how Black and Indigenous Peoples have always worked together, turning to the land in the face of unimaginable atrocities by our captives. As an Indigenous herbalist and (a)narchist, I honor lineages of transforming herbs into powerful remedies alongside our shared struggles that presented our ancestors with opportunities to unite. Take Indian Turnip Root for example, Natives used this for respiratory issues and when our African and Caribbean relatives needed that support, they integrated this root into their wellness practices for similar purposes. Often tasked with maintaining the health of plantation owners, their families and other enslaved people, Black folks became active participants in earlier colonial era, wellness practices combined European traditions, ancient Greco-Roman practices and of course, influences of stolen Native herbal knowledge. Black folks adapted these practices to suit their own needs using local plants combined with African and Caribbean techniques. Black and Indigenous Peoples supported each other as we shared a reverence for holistic balance that focused on not just physical well-being, but also emotional and spiritual hygiene and ceremony. Despite the conditions, enslaved folk practiced Vodou, carried across the Atlantic and became a vital source of strength for enslaved Black folks, helping them maintain a sense of identity, community and resilience. Vodou is practiced to bring harmony between the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of life. Plants, rituals and prayers are integral parts of this system. “As we collect our tears, fears, anxiety, disdain, pain…inside of a smoldering cauldron of blood, shed by our ancestors, may the ways of the Indigenous continue to provide the weaponry to help us proceed into battle unwilling to concede.” — Mawiyah Bomani, Conjuring the Calabash: Empowering Women with Hoodoo Spells and Magic We all owe a tremendous THANK YOU to survivors of the earlier era of colonialism. We can restore and recover from the trauma of diaspora and separation, to heal our bodies and the fragmented pieces of our identities by embracing the herbal remedies and practices of our ancestors, we can reconnect with their strength and wisdom. In 2026, let’s all start our herbal journey to reclaim the rich ancestry, healing and magic that transcends time and continues to influence the world today.