Blood thistle

Important in all Turtle island, including Pembina, sweet grass and sage breaded together are important in the spiritual lives of the people. They are lit for a smudge, this the person cups their hands and washed they hand, head, body and heart with the smoke. The duel braided grasses can not be purchased for coin, only a trade can aquire this item. Smudging is done both on an individual and group setting. Many people harvest their own braids which are dried before used.
The black thistle is an important symbol for the brothers Dubois. It is a symbol integrated into their coat of arms, sitting proudly on their shields and armour.
The black thistle is a bit of a misnomer as it is a deep purple blue not quite black at all.
The thistle first grew on the spot where xxx Dubois and his love were slain. Being vampire and loupgarou the respective families did not approve of the relationship. The death of their youngest brother began the Blood Thistle vendetta where the Dubois brothers tracked down the loupgarou pack, chasing them relentlessly across much of turtle island.
The moon pulled loupgarou knew to survive they had to stay together. Stay moving. Stay strong. They divided the pack to confuse those following. One viying for the alpha was defeated but rather than being shunned and cast out, his strengths were acknowledged. He was rewarded with as alpha of his own pack with those who were willing to defect. Both packs traveled together for a day before going their separate ways.
The moved vexed the Dubois who hesitated before gambling following one trail. The blood thistle spread to many parts of Turtle island. The blood thistle vendetta is a private matter, it's in the best interest of both parties, vampire and loupgarou, to remain unknown to humans.