Administrative Procedure 1225 and Guideline

SMUDGING FOR INDIGENOUS

STAFF AND STUDENTS

Responsibility: Superintendents, Student Achievement & Well-Being, Teaching and Learning and

the Indigenous, Equity and Human Rights Department

Legal References: Ontario Human Rights Code 1962, 2013

Canadian Human Rights Act

Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms

Smoke Free Ontario Act, 2017 (sec 19)

Commission, 2015

Effective: October 2022

Revisions:

Reviewed:

1. Preamble

1.1 The Ontario Human Rights Code (Code), Canadian Human Rights Act, Canadian Constitution,

Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous

Peoples include legal protections for the fundamental right for Indigenous Peoples to freely

practice spiritual traditions and to be treated equally and with dignity. One Indigenous Spiritual

practice includes smudging ceremonies.

Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

2. Belief Statements

2.1 Learning is optimized in a safe, caring and inclusive environment. The Religious and Creed

Accommodation Policy (1012) is a proactive effort to support academic achievement by

eliminating discrimination and harassment related to creed. The process of accommodation and

partnership with the community helps build an environment of mutual respect and

understanding.

2.2 The WRDSB recognizes that the inclusion of Indigenous cultures and practices in schools plays

values of freedom of religion and creed, freedom from discriminatory behaviors based on religion

and creed, and respect for diversity of belief in schools. This procedure is intended to

accommodate smudging requests by students, staff and caregivers, and to increase awareness

and sensitivity regarding the practice of smudging in schools.

2.4 Smudging is a common practice among many Indigenous people, and therefore, it is important

for schools to accommodate those who wish to participate in this practice.

2.5 There is always the possibility of exceptions to the content outlined in this document. Any

questions can be directed to the Equity and Inclusion Officer - Indigenous Focus.

3. Definitions

3.1 Creed: The Code does not define creed, but the courts and tribunals have often referred to

3.2 Smudging: Smudging is an Indigenous practice of burning of medicines that is meant to purify,

cleanse, and protect physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual spaces and create harmony and

balance. Medicines can include but are not limited to sage, sweet grass, cedar, and tobacco. This

ceremony is practiced by many, but not all, Indigenous Peoples.

the Equity and Inclusion Officer - Indigenous Focus at which point the school will receive

Smudge Kit training and a Smudge Kit. It is imperative that staff and student(s) are informed of

and familiar with these guidelines prior to the use of the kit. Some Indigenous practices may vary

4.2 Principals and Managers are asked to identify a space where students and staff will be able to

smudge. A review of the location of fire alarms and smoke detectors with the custodian or

facilities staff is necessary. Fire alarms should not be a deterrent for smudging. Ideally, this

space will be in a well ventilated area, and/or have access to a window that can open.

Otherwise, the smudge kit contains a smoke absorber that will help with the dissipation of

smoke.

4.3 For Student Smudge Kits, principals are asked to identify a staff team who will be trained to

support and supervise students during smudging. Staff training about these procedures is

4.4 Principals should provide general messaging to the entire school staff prior to the initial smudge

may wish to send a general notice to staff. Here is a sample general statement communication.

4.5 Reference to additional staff responsibilities can be found in section 8 of this document, Smudge

Kit Use

5. Smudging Defined

5.1 Smudging is a traditional cultural practice to some First Nations and Métis people; today, some

Inuit may have also adopted this practice. Indigenous students, regardless of cultural group, are

invited to request the ability to smudge at school, provided that smudging is part of their cultural

practice.

Indigenous people may use smudging as a method to cleanse their body, mind, and spirit. For

some, smudging may be used as a ‘reset’ to return to a calm and balanced state. Four sacred

6. Supervision of Students

6.2 It is not a staff person’s responsibility to ‘teach’ Indigenous students how to smudge. Students

should already be aware of their own personal smudging process and not require staff to show

them how to do it. In the case where students are unfamiliar with this practice and wish to learn,

referrals for cultural support may be made to WRDSB’s Indigenous School Social Worker

following the standard Social Work referral process.

6.3 A team of staff members (typically 2-4 people) will be identified and trained to supervise students

during the ceremony. Staff training from Indigenous Board staff will accompany the delivery of

the Smudge Kit. Students who will be using the smudge kit will need to be aware of who each

member of this team is.

Smudge Kits will be available to schools upon request and will contain all of the necessary items required

for a smudging ceremony including:

required each time a student smudges.

member’s responsibility.

8. Smudge Kit Use Guidelines

8.1 Setting up:

8.2 Smudging:

8.4 Student Smudge Kit Important Notes:

others. Related to this is the principle that no right is absolute. Every right is inherently limited by