1.12 Smudging Policy

Thunder Bay Public Library recognizes and supports the practice of traditional smudging ceremonies. We acknowledge our duty to accommodate the needs of Indigenous cultural practices and the Library’s values of promoting diversity and social inclusion in our community.

This policy applies to staff and community members who are planning to include smudging in their activities.

Smudging may be done indoors or outdoors for events organized by Library staff (such as cultural celebrations, meetings, or sharing circles) and held at locations owned by the Thunder

Bay Public Library. Smudging practitioners should consider using the minimal amount of the sacred plants in order to satisfy ceremonial requirements while minimizing potential impact on the health and well being of library staff and library members who may have allergies or medical sensitivities.

External groups may request that a smudging ceremony accompany their library meeting space booking by contacting the Director of Community Development. Requests must be made one week in advance of the event date.

The responsibility for the safe and appropriate use of the sacred medicines rests with the staff member organizing or supervising the event and the elder or spiritual leader who is undertaking the smudge. Participating in a smudge is always voluntary.

Library procedures for safe smudging will be followed at all times.