Smudging Operating Procedure

Cambrian College welcomes, respects and supports the on-campus Indigenous cultural and spiritual practices associated with the use of the four sacred medicines (sage, sweetgrass, cedar and tobacco).

This document serves to provide guidelines and important information regarding the Indigenous cultural practice of smudging for all staff members. Our goal is to ensure that this sacred ritual is respected and conducted in a manner that aligns with both cultural sensitivity and our campus regulations.

Smudging is the Indigenous practice of burning certain plants such as sweet grass, sage, cedar and/or tobacco, to create a cleansing smoke, which is used primarily for purification and to help create a positive mind set. In ceremony, smudging is used for cleansing a ritual space and the ceremonial tools and objects used during that ceremony.

1. The Requestor obtains permission from their respective Dean, Director, and/or Supervisor.
   1. Requests need to be made ten days prior to an event to allow time for planning and coordination within the context of the Smudging Policy.
2. The Requestor will fill out the appropriate form by clicking this link which will direct them to the Team Dynamic portal.
   1. Once in the portal, under Indigenous, click on the Smudging icon and provide all the necessary details on the form.
3. Once the request is received and actioned, the signage will be printed and posted five days prior to the event.
4. The Wabnode Department will send an email to all staff and students advising them of the date and place where smudging will occur.
5. The Requestor: either the faculty member or the staff member will ensure signage is posted in the general area around the requested location of smudging five days prior to the event.
6. Once the aroma of the smudging has dissipated, the signage will be removed by the Requestor.

This procedure will allow students and staff to make alternative arrangements to accommodate any health concerns that they may have on the day of the event.

• The Vice-President, Human Resources, Student Services and International ensures implementation and compliance of the Smudging Operating Policy and Procedure.
• The Wabnode Centre for Indigenous Services facilitates and manages the procedures in consultation with the Vice-President, Human Resources, Student Services and International.