Preamble
St. Francis Xavier University (the “University”) is a community of scholarship and service dedicated to the pursuit of truth and knowledge through teaching, research, and study. The University recognizes the creation of a culturally and socially diverse campus and learning environment enriches the student experience through contact with a multitude of perspectives. The University is committed to the meaningful practice of Indigenous traditions and ceremonies on campus.
The Nova Scotia Human Rights Act, Canadian Human Rights Act, Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples include legal protections for the fundamental right of Indigenous peoples to freely practice their religious and spiritual traditions, and to be treated equitably with dignity.
Smudging is a ceremonial way to cleanse a person, place, or an object of negative energies or influences. It is also an effective method for energizing or blessing, and to invoke spirit. Many Indigenous cultures in Turtle Island (North America) have used sacred smoke made from medicinal plants for a spiritual cleansing of themselves and their surroundings since time immemorial. Now, Elders recommend that smudge should be done in everyday life, schools, and workplaces to promote healing.
Scope
This policy applies to all Members and visitors of the University Community while using University Facilities.
Definitions
| Word/Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Elder | any person recognized by an Indigenous community as having knowledge and understanding of the traditional culture of the community, including the physical manifestation of the culture of the people and their spiritual and social traditions. Knowledge and wisdom, coupled with the recognition and respect of the people of the community, are the essential defining characteristics of an Elder. Some Elders have additional attributes, such as those of traditional healers. |
| Elder in Residence | Title bestowed to individuals who are deemed spiritual and cultural knowledge holders. |
| Good Neighbour | Principles of friendship, mindfulness, cooperation, respectfulness, and non-interference. |
| Indigenous | First Nations, Métis and Inuit people in Canada |
| Kiknu | Meaning ‘our home’ in English, is the name of StFX’s Indigenous Student Centre. The Centre is located in 105 Coady West (Markin Complex) |
| Killik-lighting | An Inuit tradition which involves the lighting of oil in a soap stone lamp. Once practical, this practice is now ceremonial |
| University Facilities | Any land or buildings, or part thereof, owned or controlled by the University |
Policy
1.1 Members of the University Community can exercise Indigenous Ceremonial Practices while maintaining health, safety and building standards.
1.2 Where a Member of the University Community wishes to participate in or arrange for an Indigenous Ceremonial Practices, they must follow the relevant protocol.
1.3 Protocols support the removal of institutional resistance, cultural and other forms of bias from all policies that restrict Indigenous Ceremonial Practices on StFX University property, while ensuring Sacred Space.
1.4 Kiknu is designated as a permanent indoor smudging and kullik-lighting site.
1.5 The medicine garden located between Coady East and Coady West is designated as the permanent outdoor smudging and kullik-lighting site.
1.6 The President, in consultation with the Elder in Residence may designate smudging sites and may periodically review the list of sites for appropriateness and may add to the list any renovated or constructed spaces designated as Indigenous space.
1.7 Prior to arrival or return to campus (September, November, January, February) any student who wishes to have their room in residence smudged before they return may make a request to university housing (@email). Housing will contact Kiknu and arrange for smudging to take place.
1.8 Students who wish to have their room smudged during the school year can contact their Residence Life Assistant, who will coordinate the smudging through Kiknu.
1.9 Personal smudging in offices must follow the good neighbour principles. Whenever possible doors must be closed, and windows opened until all smoke has dissipated.
Procedure
Before the ceremony
2.1 For larger events such as convocations, celebrations, and gatherings, the organizer will notify conference services at least 48 hours in advance.
2.2 An e-mail request to Conference Services (@email) will indicate:
i. date and time of the Indigenous Ceremonial Practice;
ii. the location of the Indigenous Ceremonial Practice; and
iii. type of Indigenous Ceremonial Practice
Conference services will notify StFX Security and Facilities Management that an Indigenous ceremonial practice will be occurring.
Being a Good Neighbour
3.1 It is the responsibility for the organizer of the Indigenous Ceremonial Practice to implement the principles of a Good Neighbour and notify nearby spaces of the upcoming Indigenous Ceremonial Practice to ensure good working relationships with the surrounding spaces.
3.2 Signage will be placed at the entrances of the space, prior to the start of the Indigenous Ceremonial Practice, to inform the public and participants of the Indigenous Ceremonial Practice taking place.
3.3 Information will be provided to participants regarding the nature of the Indigenous Ceremonial Practice for those with allergy or scent sensitivity concerns to accommodate themselves accordingly.
During the Ceremony
4.1 The person performing the smudge will be responsible for locating the closest fire extinguisher to the area where the smudging ceremony is taking place. Tinfoil and a small bowl of water should be used to extinguish embers.
4.2 Medicines used for smudging must be burned in an earthenware bowl, large shell or other fireproof vessel.
4.3 Smudging materials are to be attended to until they have been completely extinguished and disposed of in a culturally appropriate manner.
4.4 Doors shall remain closed for the duration of the smudging, in case there are people with environmental sensitivities within the vicinity.
Smudging Ceremony Checklist
Prior to the ceremony
- Did you notify Conference Services that a smudge will take place 48 hours in advance?
- Is the ceremony being led by an Elder or someone who has received the teachings of what a smudge is, why it’s done, and how it’s performed?
- Did you prepare the Smudging is occurring in this room signs? (See attached)
- Will the medicines used in smudging be burned in a fireproof vessel?
- Did you locate the fire extinguisher closest to the location where the smudging ceremony will take place?
During the ceremony
- Did you notify Facilities management and close the doors before the smudging ceremony began?
- Did you ensure all medicines used are attended until completely extinguished after the smudge?
- Did you properly ventilate the area before opening the doors and removing the signs?
- Did you notify Facilities management after completing the ceremony?
