Across Turtle Island, it is a common practice for many First Nations and Métis communities to burn traditional medicines (sage, sweetgrass, cedar, and/or tobacco) in an abalone shell with smoke rising up to the Creator. This practice is called ‘smudging‘. Depending on the individual and/or Indigenous group that is partaking in this ceremony, there are sometimes different beliefs associated with the smoke, and there may be different ceremonies and protocols.¹
‘Smudging’ is a purification and cleansing ceremony that works against negative beliefs and thoughts from a person or a place. Because smudging is vital to many Indigenous Peoples, many environments are increasingly modifying their policies and operations to accommodate smudging within their buildings by designating certain areas for smudging. The Ontario Human Rights Code has incorporated this right in its ‘Creed and Human Rights for Indigenous Peoples’ Subsection. At Carleton University, the 2020 Kinàmàgawin Report was released and specifically addresses the need for smudging on campus:
- Call 5: We call for targeted fundraising toward the creation of additional Indigenous-focused space on campus, and towards the consolidation of Indigenous services for students.
staff and faculty - Call 28: We call for the revision of the Traditional Medicine Use Policy based on the Ontario Human Rights Code for the purpose of supporting Indigenous students, staff, and faculty
Over the past few years, the Carleton community has worked tirelessly to create smudge-friendly spaces to reduce the barrier of engaging in Indigenous spirituality and ceremony.
To identify smudge-friendly spaces, please click the button below:
If you’d like to smudge in a space that isn’t pre-approved, you can request a temporary Smudging Pass here:
For a temporary Smudge Sign, fill out and print the signage below:
If you would like to have a space tested to get approved for smudging, please fill out the following form:
Smudge-Friendly Space Request Form
This form allows faculty, staff, and students to request that the Centre for Indigenous Support and Community Engagement and the Office of Risk Management to assess a campus space to determine if it can be designated as smudge-friendly. Creating smudge-friendly spaces helps ensure that Indigenous students, staff, and community members can safely and respectfully carry out traditional practices on campus.