By Alliance Police Department
The Alliance Police Department is excited to announce the introduction of a new project intended to strengthen the relationship between the department and our Native American community; from here on out, officers will have available to them a small supply of sage, cedar, and sweetgrass to offer members of the Native American community, particularly where spiritual wounds emerge.
The department is aware of the spiritual and cultural significance these ceremonial plants provide in the healing, purifying, and cleansing process. The department hopes this gesture will be accepted by the community we serve, and that it strengthens the connection between the Alliance Police Department and our Native American community. We never know when or how these wounds will emerge, but we are here to help individuals begin the long journey of healing, even in the form of a simple offering of sage, cedar, and/or sweetgrass.
We are working with a Native American trading post out of Rapid City, South Dakota to keep our supplies stocked; they have offered us enthusiastic guidance in selecting South Dakota sage, three-mix wands (cedar, sage, and sweetgrass), and sweetgrass braids.
We look forward to seeing how this helps build astrong relationship and connection between the Alliance Police Department and the community we serve.
“We raise our right hand to uphold the constitution for all people. This is just another example of our department engaging with our community and meeting people right where they are at. I’m grateful for my staff and their sensitivity to our community’s needs.” – Chief Lukens