Dear families,
Throughout the year at Bracebridge Public School, children may have several opportunities to participate in a tradition called smudging, which is common to many Indigenous Peoples and widely practiced in public schools. Smudging can be done as a daily activity to bring about a sense of grounding, direction, and connection; and to help create a positive mindset. It is also used in Indigenous teachings, ceremonies, or at the start of special events.
Smudging involves the burning of one or more plants gathered from the Earth. Sage, sweetgrass, and/or cedar are most often used for smudging and considered by some Indigenous peoples to be sacred medicines. When participating in the custom of smudging, the actions remind us to think good thoughts, see good actions, hear good sounds, speak good words, and show the good in ourselves.
Smudging is always voluntary. Participants will be invited to choose to be involved in a smudge.
If you would prefer that your child not participate in the smudge, please contact your child’s teacher. Otherwise, your child will be offered the opportunity to participate or pass (decline) as per their preference at the time.
If you have any questions, please contact your child’s teacher or the school’s principal.
Sincerely,
TLDSB Indigenous Student Success Team
