Project 57 Week 33: Smudging

Smudging is a “sacred ceremony to most First Nations” (Indigenous Saskatchewan Encyclopedia) and Métis Nation (Fiola, 2015). Smudging is a significant aspect of Indigenous culture across Turtle Island, connecting people to “spirit and to the creator” using the “sacred medicines sage, sweetgrass, cedar, and tobacco” (Cecil Isaac, Fanshawe Institute of Indigenous Learning). It is important to recognize that each nation may not refer to this practice as smudging and that each may also have their own unique protocols and practices.  

Traditionally, one or more of the “sacred medicines are gathered from nature and burned” in an “abalone shell” or a “copper vessel”, and “each medicine will make a different amount of smoke” (7generations.org). Through burning the sacred medicines, the “smoke purifies the body, soul, and brings clarity to the mind” and is considered a way to “clear away negativity” (7generations.org). Like the practice of cleansing bodies with water, the smoke from burning sacred medicines “cleanses the spirit” (7generations.org). The act of smudging “allows people to participate fully in whatever event is happening later” or functions as a “separate sacred ceremony” (Indigenous Saskatchewan Encyclopedia).   

• For more information, please consider the following resources:
• Smudging Ceremony Explained by Stephen Augustine, CBU. (n.d.). 5 minute 32 second video.
• “Sacred ceremony of smudging” by Darlene McIntosh, (2019) in Calvert, M., Metatawabin, E. (Eds.) In our own Aboriginal voice 2 : a collection of indigenous authors and artists in Canada
• Stay home: Learn Cree 11. About Smudging. (2020, March 28). Cree Literacy Network.