Smudging at Holland Bloorview

What to do:

For inpatient smudging requests, the client and family’s social worker serves as the primary point of contact. Additional staff who can assist with facilitating the request include the spiritual care practitioner and the hospital charge nurse (HCN). (Staff: please refer to section 1.0 of the Smudging Policy.)

Upon receiving the request, staff should ask and document answers to the following questions: 

• What is your name and your loved one’s name? (if not already known)
• Preferred time for the smudge?
• Number of participants?
• Indoor or outdoor setting?
• Estimated duration? (for room booking)
• Have you informed your care team (e.g., therapy, meals)?
• Would you like a staff member present for support?
• What would you like to do with the ashes? 

(Staff: please refer to the Smudging Policy section 3.0)

Smudging Materials

Once your ceremony details are confirmed, staff will collect the smudging materials cart from the 3W251 Medication Room. This room is locked and accessible by nursing or security staff.  (Staff: please refer to the Smudging Policy section 7.0)

Where can I smudge indoors?

If a family or client requests a smudge ceremony to take place indoors, staff will book a suitable room through our system. Designated indoor spaces include:

• 2W625
• 4W245
• 4W240
• 4E200

Availability will vary based on whether the request is made during business hours or after hours.

• Staff, to ensure proper ventilation and safety, please book the room for an extra hour post-ceremony.  (Staff: please refer to the Smudging Policy section 4.0)
• Before smudging, staff will contact security at ext. 6101 to inform them of the smudging request, location, and timing.
• The security team will handle bypassing the fire alarm during the ceremony. (Staff: please refer to the Smudging Policy section 5.0)
• Upon completion, the staff liaison will call security at ext. 6101 to let them know that the ceremony is done and the fire panel can be put back online.  (Staff: please refer to the Smudging Policy section 9.6)
   

For outdoor smudging requests, support is available from the spiritual care practitioner, hospital charge nurse, or a member of the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism (IDEAA) team at IDEAA@hollandbloorview.ca. (Staff: please refer to the Smudging Policy section 2.0)

Where can I smudge outdoors?

If the request is for an outdoor smudging ceremony, the primary outdoor location for such ceremonies is the Cedar shelter, located under the Jason Smith Research Tower near the cafeteria. No booking is required. This does not need to be booked through Meditech.   

In addition to the Cedar Shelter, other accessible outdoor spaces include:

• Bigioni Pavilion, Spiral Garden
  Access via the automated doors near the Conference Centre/Music and Arts office.
• Paved area at the southeast end of the Spiral Garden
  Walk through the Spiral Garden, past the Bigioni Pavilion, to the southeast corner.

(Staff: Please refer to the Smudging Policy section 4.0)

When smudging outdoors, please follow fire safety practices near dry grass. Smudging should occur in an open space at least 15 meters away from open windows, doors, and building air intake units.

• Hospitals must make every effort to support requests for Indigenous Smudging ceremonies. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Call to Action #22, emphasizes  the need for hospitals to work with Indigenous families when providing care, and to recognize their healing practices.
• Not supporting smudging and other ceremonies violates  provincial laws and can result in penalties.  Smudging is not subject to the  Smoke Free Ontario Act.  Smudging and pipe ceremonies can happen indoors.
• Smudging  aligns with Holland Bloorview’s mission to provide culturally safe and appropriate care, as outlined in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Call to Action #22