Smudging
Recognizing and Supporting Indigenous Identity, Ceremony, and Sacred Practice on Campus.
Smudging is a sacred Indigenous practice involving the burning of medicines such as sage, sweetgrass, cedar, or tobacco. For many First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples, smudging is an important part of spiritual and cultural life – used to cleanse, center, and bring focus and healing.
At Niagara College, we are committed to supporting the rights of Indigenous students, employees, and community members to engage in smudging ceremonies as part of their identity, traditions, and well-being.
What is Smudging?
Smudging typically involves wafting the smoke from sacred medicines over one’s body or space in a mindful, respectful way. It may be done individually or as part of a group ceremony. While smudging involves smoke, it is not recreational or hazardous – it is spiritually and culturally significant.
Smudging at Niagara College
Smudging can occur both informally and as part of planned gatherings on campus. Niagara College supports smudging in designated indoor spaces, pre-approved outdoor areas, and elsewhere when appropriate protocols are followed.
Designated Indoor Smudge-Friendly Locations:
| Welland Campus | Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus |
|---|---|
| A205 – Fitness Centre | E026 – The Armoury |
| A207 – Fitness Centre | E101 – Yerich Auditorium |
| AH125 – HWAS (reception, hallways, back room, open offices) | Gym |
| AH146 – Meeting Room | HT117 – Meeting Room |
| AH255 – Meeting Room | N001 – Cafeteria |
| Gym | N002 – Rankin Family Student Commons |
| L120 – Student Rights and Responsibilities Office | N002A – NCSAC Meeting Room |
| L201 – Indigenous Education Centre | N002B – Wellness Lounge |
| SA100 – The Core (Student Centre) | N003 – Indigenous Centre |
| SA208 – SAC Boardroom | NO17 – Meeting Room |
| S216 – Meeting Room | NO18 – Meeting Room |
| N034 – Exercise Room | |
| N034 – Fitness Room | |
| N215 – Student Rights and Responsibilities Office | |
| W102 – HWAS (reception, hallways, back room, open offices) |
It is important to remember that there may be other room and/or space bookings on campus. Please follow the College’s standard room booking process when planning to use these spaces.
Outdoor Ceremonial Spaces:
Outdoor ceremonies, including those involving fire (e.g., sacred fires), may be held in pre-approved outdoor locations, such as the DJP Indigenous Garden. These events are arranged in collaboration with the Indigenous Education Centre, Indigenous Elders or Knowledge Keepers and follow appropriate safety protocols.
Smudge-Anywhere Protocols:
Smudging can sometimes occur in other indoor or outdoor locations, either spontaneously or for specific events. In these cases:
- Planned smudging: Please notify Facilities Management and Campus Safety at least 24-hours in advance to ensure fire alarms are not triggered.
- Unplanned smudging: It is important to notify the Facilities Management and Campus Safety via the 24/7 Control Centre as soon as possible to prevent interruptions or fire safety concerns. Please note that context should be provided.
- Signage: Use the Intent to Smudge Notice and Post-Smudge Signage Template to inform others and help educate the community.
If you need to arrange a smudging ceremony or discuss a smudge-friendly space, please contact Indigenous Education [email protected] in advance when possible.
Acknowledging Respiratory Sensitivities
Smudging is not harmful to most people. However, individuals with respiratory sensitivities, health concerns, or personal beliefs that prevent their participation may step away or notify their supervisor, faculty, or Campus Safety. Niagara College will make reasonable efforts to communicate in advance about planned smudges in shared spaces.
How Smudging Ceremonies Are Conducted
A smudging ceremony may involve:
- Burning one or more sacred medicines in a shell, bowl, or container.
- Gently wafting the smoke using a feather, hand, or handheld fan.
- Offering silent or spoken intentions for cleansing, grounding, or guidance.
Smudging is performed respectfully and often in silence. Participation is voluntary and done “in a good way”.
Learning More About Smudging
Supporting smudging is one part of Niagara College’s broader commitment to reconciliation and the recognition of Indigenous rights. We encourage all members of our community to learn about the meaning behind these practices and approach them with respect and openness.
If you’d like to learn more about smudging, Indigenous teachings, or how to participate in a good way, please connect with the Indigenous Education team at [email protected].
Smudging and Indigenous Rights
Fundamental rights of Indigenous Peoples – including the right to smudge – are upheld by human rights and legal protections. To learn more, consider reviewing the following governing documents:
Questions or Concerns?
For questions, accessibility needs, or concerns related to smudging practices, please contact the Office of the Vice President, Students at [email protected].
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