Author: Paul R. Kopenkoskey

Source: The Huffington Post

Wire Service: RNS

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/10/29/american-indian-and-christian_n_775645.html

Smoke wafts upward as the Rev. Mike Peters blows on the Knick-Knick, a sacred herbal blend of spearmint leaves, red willow bark, sage, sweet grass and bayberry bush.

"As the smoke goes up, the Creator's blessings go down," Peters says. A dozen people sitting in a circle listen as he prays.