Page 37 - Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation

Spiritual Practice
There are some people in our community who are interested
in traditional First Nations spirituality and practices, such as
smudging; there are other community members who are
Christian; and there are members who blend both First Nations
and Christian spirituality in their daily lives. How each member
chooses to express spirituality is respected as a matter of
personal choice.

SMUDGING
Smudging is a word that describes the practice of cleansing with medicines.
Smudge is typically made up of dried sage, cedar, tobacco, or sweetgrass, or
a combination of these. A small bit is burned in a large shell and taken to each
person around a circle. Each person usually gathers some smoke with their
hands and brushes the smoke over their eyes, ears, mouth, and heart. This
helps us to see good things, hear good things, speak good things, and come
from a good heart.

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