Designated spaces for smudging at Windsor Regional Hospital

Indigenous ceremonies have cleared a hurdle at Windsor Regional Hospital. 

A room at each hospital location has been designated to accommodate ritual smudging ceremonies, and a written policy has been put in place to make requests easier for staff. 

Audrey Logan, Indigenous navigator at the hospital said it goes a long way to addressing barrier Indigenous patients face in the hospital.

"When you're away from home, in a strange place, it's difficult to be comfortable," said Logan. 

The new Indigenous Practice Protocol allows for the burning of tobacco, sweet grass, sage and cedar for the smudging ceremony. The ritual is commonly done in times of illness or at the end of a person's life. 

"In the past, although Windsor Regional Hospital accommodated about five [smudging requests] in the past year, staff struggle to accommodate those needs because they don't know who to ask what," said Logan. 

Now that there's a set protocol, with steps for staff to follow when someone is requesting a smudging ceremony, those requests can be responded to quickly.

"One of the great things is that by Windsor Regional Hospital recognizing this Indigenous protocol, it's the first time we've had an Indigenous person employed in a position where they can effect change," said Logan. 

As part of the policy, the fire alarm will be shut off during the ceremony in the designated room, and other fire response methods will be kept nearby. 

Recognizing Indigenous healing practices when requested by patients is one of the 94 Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. 

It took more than 100 hours of work over a year to develop the program.