What is smudging and why is it important?
He thinks the decision was motivated by his practice of smudging, an Indigenous tradition that involves the burning of sacred medicines, such as sage or sweetgrass, that are believed to cleanse and purify the spirit, clear negativity, and promote positivity.
What happens when an employee smudges to purify his office space?
When an employee uses a smudging ritual to purify his office space following a hostile client encounter in an urban Indian center, health complaints related to the smoke lead to office conflicts about preserving Native American culture. The supervisor must create a process that will result in an equitable and respectful solution.
What medicines are used in a smudge?
Smudging is a tradition, common to many First Nations, which involves the burning of one or more medicines gathered from the earth. The four sacred medicines used in First Nations’ ceremonies are tobacco, sage, cedar, and sweetgrass. The most common medicines used in a smudge are sweetgrass, sage, and cedar.
Why did Ludwigsen start smudging at work?
It was in late September 2018 that Ludwigsen decided to begin smudging at work. “It’s always something I’ve enjoyed,” he says. He’d smudged regularly for much of his life, but his practice had lapsed — he hoped that, by reviving it, he’d benefit spiritually and promote a safe space for Indigenous employees and other stakeholders.
Smudging Protocol and Guidelines