Throughout the summer, several faculty members worked together to update the residential smudging guidelines for the University’s residence halls, aiming to make the cultural practice more accessible for Indigenous residents.
Smudging is a sacred practice in Indigenous culture used for various reasons depending on the person, such as the cleansing of energy, prayer, wellness and stress relief. The finite details of the practice and its meaning vary from culture to culture, but generally, the practice refers to the burning of sacred plants or herbs to purify or bless a space.
Previously, students had to fill out and submit an online form detailing the specific date and time they planned to smudge at least two days in advance. Now, students just have to let the front desk know prior to engaging in the practice…