Smudging and Pipe Ceremony

Land Acknowledgment

Mount Allison is located within the territory of Mi’kma’ki, the unceded, ancestral territory of the Mi’kmaq. Our relationship and our privilege to live on this territory was agreed upon in the Peace and Friendship Treaties of 1752. Because of this treaty relationship it is to be acknowledged that we are all Treaty people and have a responsibility to respect this territory.

1. Preamble

Mount Allison University is committed to working with the Indigenous community in guiding Indigenisation efforts of the University and in supporting reconciliation. The University is dedicated to supporting Indigenous students throughout their time at Mount Allison and in engaging non-Indigenous students and community members, helping them understand the history and culture of Indigenous peoples. In alignment with these commitments, we support, promote and facilitate smudging and pipe ceremonies.

2. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to:

• protect, promote and facilitate the practice of time honoured Indigenous traditions and ceremonies, including smudging and pipe ceremonies, in support of the university’s commitment to Indigenized practices
• provide guidance in undertaking these traditions while respecting all campus members
• assist organizers of smoke generating Indigenous ceremonies to identify appropriate spaces, proposed communications and preventive practices to endeavor meaningful and healthy experiences for all members of the university community.
• ensure acceptable air quality is maintained in spaces adjacent to smudging and pipe ceremonies.
• ensure that fire alarm systems are not unintentionally activated.

3. Scope

This Policy applies to all Mount Allison premises and property owned or leased or rented or controlled by the University.

4. Definitions

Smudging: An Indigenous ceremony which involves the burning of sacred plant material creating smoke to cleanse the spirit.
 
Pipe ceremony: An Indigenous ceremony which involved the shared smoking of tobacco from a pipe to connect participants, the physical world, and the sacred world.

Fire watch: According to the National Fire Protection Association, a fire watch is the assignment of a person or persons to an area for the express purpose of notifying the fire department, the building occupants, or both of an emergency; preventing a fire from occurring; extinguishing small fires, or protecting the public from fire or life safety dangers.

5. Policy

To acknowledge the sacredness of smudging and pipe ceremonies, they must be led or supported by the Indigenous Student Advisor, a Knowledge Keeper, or Indigenous, leader. Smudging/pipe ceremonies may take place on any exterior campus space, subject to compliance with other university policies. These ceremonies may also take place in designated or approved internal spaces on campus, in coordination with the Indigenous Student Advisor.

Any member of the Mount Allison community who wishes to arrange a smudging or pipe ceremony in a non-designated indoor university space must notify Facilities Management and receive approval prior to proceeding with the ceremony. This approval is required for health and safety reasons and to allow for operational requirements (e.g. disabling smoke detectors). Requests for smudging or pipe ceremony will not be denied without reason. If denied, alternative location suggestions will be provided.

The following offices are responsible for the implementation and compliance of this policy:

• Administrative Services
• Facilities Management
• International and Student Affairs

6. Relevant Legislation

This policy adheres to the New Brunswick Human Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based on grounds including race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, and creed or religion.

7. Related Policies, Procedures and Documents

Detailed protocols on Smudging and Pipe Ceremony are available in the appendix below.

8. Review

This policy will be reviewed at least every 3 years.