Protocols: Smudging

Smudging is a tradition passed down through the generations of Indigenous peoples, which involves the burning of one or more medicines gathered from the earth. The four sacred medicines used in ceremonies are tobacco, sage, cedar, and sweetgrass. There are many variations on how a smudge is done.

Historically, Métis and Inuit people did not smudge; however, today many Métis and Inuit people have incorporated smudging into their lives.

Steps to smudging:

• We smudge to clear the air around us.
  
  
• We smudge to clean our minds so that we will have good thoughts of others.
  
  
• We smudge our eyes so that we will only see the good in others.
  
  
• We smudge our ears so that we will only listen to positive things about others.
  
  
• We smudge our mouths so that we will only speak well of others.
  
  
• We smudge our whole being so we will portray only the good part of our self through our actions.

Smudging allows people to stop, slow down, become mindful and centred. This allows people to remember, connect and be grounded in the event, task, or purpose at hand.

Smudging is always voluntary. People should never be forced or pressured to smudge. It is completely acceptable for a person to indicate that he/she does not want to smudge. That person may choose to stay in the room and refrain or leave the room during a smudge. It is, however, customary to simply step back instead of receiving the smudge. In some communities it is customary for women to wear a skirt for a smudge or in ceremony. Check if that is required and wear something longer and flowing so if you have to sit on the floor you will feel comfortable. Respect for all is the guiding principle in any Indigenous tradition.

When women are on their moon time, an Elder may require them to refrain from smudging unless sage is being used for the smudge. It is seen that a woman is already going through a ‘cleansing’. According to the teachings, a woman is at her most powerful because it is an affirmation of her ability to bring life. It may feel awkward, but be prepared to step out of the circle or wave off the smudge if an Elder requests it.