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Sweetgrass braid

Smudging on campus

Smudging and pipe ceremonies are welcome at Mount Royal University as part of our commitment to indigenization as reflected in Goal #5 of the University Strategic Plan 2023-2030. Smudging is a ceremonial practice common to many First Nations that involves the burning of sacred medicines. There are four sacred medicines — tobacco, sage, cedar and sweetgrass — used in First Nations ceremonies.

There are many reasons to perform a smudge. While Métis and Inuit peoples did not traditionally smudge, many choose to include smudging in their practices today.

Smudging may take place in various areas across campus. The MRU Library has a list of rooms available for smudging ceremonies. Additionally, the Iniskim Centre offers a smudge space for students, and the Office of Indigenization and Decolonization provides a space for faculty and staff.

 

Download general signage for smudging on campus

 

 

Alberta's Tobacco and Vaping Reduction Strategy affirms that the Government of Alberta's provincial legislation does not restrict nor impede on Indigenous Peoples' right to use of ceremonial tobacco.*