Smudging creates a "space that prayers can be heard, where stories can be accessed, information can be provided, and where healing can take place"
What is Smudging
Smudging is a cultural tradition common to many (not all) First Nations, which involves the burning of one or more traditional medicines gathered from Mother Earth. The four sacred medicines used in First Nations' ceremonies are tobacco, sage, cedar, and sweetgrass. The most common medicines used in a smudge are sweetgrass, sage, and cedar. Tobacco is typically placed on the Earth during prayer, used in pipe ceremony or gifted in gratitude. There are many ways and reasons to perform a smudge, and there are many variations. Traditionally, Métis and Inuit people did not smudge, however, today many Métis and Inuit people choose to include smudging in their practices. In fact, smudging has become popular with non-Indigenous people as well.
Your right to smudge is protected under the Ontario Human Rights Code.
Smudging as a Protected Right
Under Section 13 of Ontario Smoke Free Act, smudging, the use of tobacco, the smoking of tobacco, or holding lighted tobacco by First Nations and Métis persons for traditional cultural or spiritual purposes are permitted. Outdoor Smudging is permitted for special events and ceremonies, group gatherings, personal reasons and space purification.
The Ontario Human Rights Code, Section 11.1, mandates the accommodation of Indigenous spiritual practices, including smudging. Only serious health and safety risks can limit these practices and staff should proactively facilitate smudging in a dignified manner. Especially during unpredictable times of need, individuals must respectfully accommodate smudging practices. Failure to address negative comments about these practices or to accommodate all Indigenous groups equally is discrimination under the Code.
Performing Smudging Ceremonies and the transition to a smoke-free campus.
As of July 1, 2024, the revised Policy 29- Smoke-Free Campus, went into effect and prohibits all forms of smoking and vaping. The use of tobacco for traditional Indigenous smudging ceremonies is protected in the Ontario Human Rights Code. Thus, smudging outdoors is exempt from any changes to the smoke-free policy. The University of Waterloo also has a list of rooms that have been pre-approved by plant ops for smudging and do not require a permit.
Smudging Request Forms and Resources
The Office of Indigenous Relations is here to support you and accommodate smudging. Please refer to our list of rooms that have been approved for smudging. These rooms do not require a permit or require you to complete the smudge request form. If the location of your smudging is not on the pre-approved list, a smudge permit is required.
Please note that two business days are required to properly process your request. These permits are necessary to determine surrounding smoke detectors.
Video credit: University of Waterloo Athletics and Recreation
How to Smudge
This is a general guide. Please note, many may perform their ceremonies differently.
You will need:
- Sacred medicine (sage, tobacco, sweetgrass, and/or cedar)
- Abalone shell or bowl that is not flammable
- A match or lighter
- A receptacle to store extinguished ashes (if you are unable to take the ashes outside immediately after smudging)
Before you begin:
Make sure there are no fire hazards (eg. flammable gas, loose flammable clothing) present
With good intentions, light the medicine you are using to smudge. For sweetgrass, light the braid and wave it gently but rapidly to maintain a flow of smoke. For loose or bundled medicines, light them and fan the flames with a feather or your hand to keep it burning.
Many people hold turkey, goose or eagle feathers that are sacred to them. These are okay to share or purchase if you have not been gifted your own. Do your best to source feathers and medicines from Indigenous suppliers.
If you require an eagle feather for a very important smudge, you may ask a ceremony conductor or feather keeper to perform a smudge ceremony with/for you. Offering tobacco/sema to that person is the respectful practice.
Note: smudging is most about the intention you bring to it and not “performing” all the steps in any particular or perfect order. Below are some suggestions but individual smudging rituals may vary.
- To begin smudging your body "rinse" your hands in the smoke as your hands will now carry the medicine over the rest of your body
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Smudge your head, so you may think good thoughts
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Smudge your eyes, so you may see the best in people and circumstances
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Smudge your ears, so you can hear patiently and interpret carefully
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Smudge your mouth, so you can speak kindly and truthfully
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Smudge your shoulders and let the burdens that you carry float away
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Smudge your heart, so you can show compassion
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Smudge your arms, legs and under feet so you can move in peace and strength
You can turn and face each direction, or acknowledge the directions mentally, also acknowledging mother earth, the creator, and your inner flame.
You can speak aloud or mentally, focusing on good things, asking for what you need or offering thanks. You may also choose to be still and let everything go. This is your personal ceremony.
To conclude your smudge:
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Use your preferred language and phrasing to say thank you
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Extinguish the smudge, ensuring there are no embers or flames remaining
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Return the space/room to how you found it
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Return the ashes/remnants from your smudge to mother earth (many nations choose to place the ashes under a tree) and if you cannot go outside, place them in the receptacle to be taken out later