University of Manitoba

U of M - Student Affairs - Aboriginal Student Centre - Smudging/Pipe Cermonies

Smudging/Pipe Cermonies

SMUDGING/PIPE CEREMONIES

AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA

PREAMBLE

Smudging is an Aboriginal tradition which involves the burning of sweetgrass, sage and/or cedar. Sage smudge produces a very strong and distinct aroma but the smoke associated with it is minimal and lasts a very short time. Sweetgrass has a very mild aroma and produces even less smoke than sage. A smudge is burned primarily for purification and to help to create a positive mind set.

Tobacco is used in pipe ceremonies by a pipe carrier.

Under the Province of Manitoba’s “The Non-Smokers Health Protection Act” smudging and the use of tobacco in pipe ceremonies are permitted. The University of Manitoba has recognized that smudging and pipe ceremonies are a part of the Aboriginal traditional way of life and are therefore permitted on campus.


In order to reduce the number of inquiries regarding the smell of smoke in buildings a notification email and phone number has been set up to contact when smudging and/or pipe ceremonies are to occur in areas other than those previously designated as permanent smudging/pipe sites.
Given the nature of smudging and pipe ceremonies, it is not always possible to provide advance notice that they will take place in a specific area. However, the Aboriginal Student Centre will have been informed and the room in question will be posted.

Smudging/Pipe Ceremony Notification Sign (pdf) (word document)

Permanent Smudging, Pipe Ceremony Location Procedures

  1. Contact the Aboriginal Student Centre (474-8850) to have the location in question examined for ventilation, smoke alarms, etc. prior to using a smudge/pipe.
  2. Once the location has been designated a permanent smudging/pipe located, the approved sign should be placed on the room door(s).
  3. A list of pre-approved sites will be available from the Aboriginal Student Centre.
  4. In any designated permanent smudging/pipe location, an education session(s) can be organized through the Aboriginal Student Centre to help facilitate support and understanding from co-workers.
  5. In any case, notify the Aboriginal Student Centre whenever a smudge has taken place.

Occasional Smudging, Pipe Ceremony Location Procedures

  1. In all cases, notify the Aboriginal Student Centre (474-8850) whenever a smudge will take place.
  2. If possible, notify the Aboriginal Student Centre 48 hours in advance.
  3. Post a sign on the door to the room where the smudge/pipe ceremony is being held and if you have not been able to notify the Aboriginal Student Centre in advance, please call Security Services at 474-9312 before you begin so they can respond to inquires without interrupting the ceremony and/or calling the fire department.
  4. Remove the sign once the aroma of the smudge/tobacco has dissipated.


© 2013 UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA