Smudging Protocol
Introduction
San Juan College (SJC) recognizes the American Indian Religious Freedom Act of 1978 and the rights of Native Americans, American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians to exercise their traditional religions and sacred ceremonies under the law. SJC supports the Native American community by honoring and respecting traditions and ceremonies involving smudging. In accordance with the American Indian Religious Freedom Act, the college has adopted protocols to ensure the community practices are safe and respectful in the manner of these cultural rituals.
Members of the SJC community who want to engage in the offering in burning sacred medicines for the ceremonial cultural material should review these procedures and protocols before the event.
Protocol
Smudging may incorporate the smoke of sage, sweet grass, cedar, tobacco, and other related medicinal plants as elements of purification and sacred ceremony. SJC allows these traditional practices only in specified areas, with prior approval of the use and defined procedures to assure safety. Authorized smudging must include a specification of the planned procedures and adhere to all college policies, procedures, and protocols concerning campus safety.
Purpose and Intent
Smudging is a Native American tradition which involves the burning of sage, sweetgrass and/or cedar. Tobacco is used in pipe ceremonies by a pipe carrier.
Approval
Those who want to conduct a smudging/tobacco ceremony must request approval from the appropriate administrative office five (5) business days prior to the event or face possible conduct violations and sanctions through the SJC Dean of Students.
All events must be approved and coordinated with the Native American Center (NAC) Director, and for those events occurring in student residential facilities, the Student Housing Coordinator must also approve. Upon Native American Center and Student Housing approval, a Reservation Request must be submitted to Event Services.
Notification and Signage
Written notification (email) and signage should be posted in and around event areas. The NAC will work with Marketing & Public Relations to issue a campus email with event details.
A sign shall be placed on the door of each designated room indicating the area is in use for smudging/pipe ceremony. The sign shall remain posted until the smudge/tobacco smoke has dissipated.
Approved Burning Receptacles
A large shell or fire proof pan can be used to burn the sage, cedar and/or sweet grass. Any receptacle outside of this perimeter will need to be approved by the Environmental Health & Safety Coordinator and Department of Public Safety.
Emergency Contact Procedures
In the case of an emergency, the Department of Public Safety must be contacted immediately at 505-566-4444 and/or 911.
Contact Information for Notification and Approval
Native American Center Director Office
(505) 566-332
Student Housing Coordinator Office
(505) 566-4226
Physical Plant Director - Questions about fire alarms and facility area(s).
(505) 566-3168 or (505) 566-3285
Event Center - To reserve an area of use and/or to inform them of any traditional ceremonies that may be taking place on campus (office area, residence occupants, outdoor ceremonies, etc.).
(505) 566-3296
Review
This protocol shall be reviewed every three (3) years or as needed.