No-smudging at Powwow Irks Students at North Dakota School

No-smudging at Powwow Irks Students at North Dakota School

In the earlier half of January, the University of Mary became the subject of an online stir when it prohibited the Native American practice of smudging.

You may be thinking, “Isn't this no-smudging policy a violation of religious freedom?” Yes, it certainly is. The action hurt the sentiment of many, but the university’s associate dean, Carmelita Lamb, defends it by explaining how “a powwow is a social event and not a ceremonial event.”

Smudging is a practice of different Indigenous groups that involves burning sacred herbs to cleanse the aura of a specific place or person. Signs bearing the words “No smudging” were placed throughout the university during its yearly Mid-Winter Powwow that took place on 15 January in collaboration with the United Tribes Technical College.

According to Lamb, Mid-Winter Powwow is a chance for people to let loose, meet friends, and dance to some music. She explained that the reason behind the prohibition of the practice was not to set off the fire alarms. “We do not allow any cigarettes or vaping or any of that,” she said.

Tom Plenty, the president of Medicine Butte and member of the Hidatsa, Mandan, and Arikara Nation, expressed his disappointment towards the university. He thinks that a high-caliber institution backed by thousands of federal funds would respect the culture and traditional customs of Native Americans and provide a non-discriminatory environment.

President of United Tribes Technical College, Leander McDonald, also weighed in by saying he didn't see the no-smudging signs while attending the powwow. Once the event had concluded, someone shared an online post with him regarding the no-smudging policy. To our relief, McDonald said he wants to revisit this issue and see if there are any opportunities to solve it soon. He explained that speaking up is important since doing so will put a lot of Natives in the right frame of mind, and we completely agree.

Note that the University of Mary allows smudging in specific parts of the campus, and being a Native American herself, Lamb stands behind the practice. She also took responsibility for the controversial action and promised to make a special effort to provide the right environment for smudging participants during any upcoming powwows.

Lamb also stated, “Nobody came to me to ask about smudging. We would have welcomed and provided a safe place for them to do the practice without triggering the smoke alarms.”

People on the internet also shared their thoughts when they compared the practice of smudging to Catholic priests burning incense while walking down an aisle. Tom Plenty was quick to observe that burning frankincense during a Catholic Mass is simply a variation of smudging. If the practice is allowed during Mass, then smudging should also be allowed for Native Americans during a Native event. The point is valid and something we can ponder upon.

A similar situation happened at the University of Michigan, which pushed it to amend its smoke-free campus policy to make room for smudging, provided that requests were made beforehand.

 

 

Last Updated on February 1, 2023 by Paul G


8 Comments on “No-smudging at Powwow Irks Students at North Dakota School”

  • Avatar for Lynn Magnuson

    Lynn Magnuson

    says:

    I favor the school making a smudging exception to their smoke free campus rules. Smudging is an important part of Native American ceremony and prayers and should be respected. They should have the event in a location where it is less likely to set off alarms, sprinklers, etc. Where would likely depend on the time of year and weather conditions outside.

  • Avatar for Bree

    Bree

    says:

    If it’s an across the board rule (for everyone in general) for that particular area because of concern for. smoke detectors and sprinklers going off, then that’s understandable. Perhaps they could have designated smudging areas closer to the actual location though.

  • Avatar for Cheri Howlett

    To anyone that dances at Powwow the circle is Ceremony where prayers are said.

  • Avatar for Kathleen Rosen

    Kathleen Rosen

    says:

    Old nurse here non-indigenous medicine woman. The no smoking practice came about 45 years ago when nurses like myself shared a smoke filled room with other nurses in report twice a day for five years in hospital. I Then developed asthma as it was determined I was very allergic to all things grass from an inhalant standpoint. As a medicine woman there are other ways to cleanse and ground yourself or an area. Thanks for not smudging😊

    • Avatar for Paul ShadowCat

      Paul ShadowCat

      says:

      Ah ,, yes. We should change and/or abandon all of our beliefs and customs to make you comfortable.

    • Avatar for Paul ShadowCat

      Paul ShadowCat

      says:

      Kathleen, Please , There is so very much more to being a “Medicine man/women” then nursing. Please reframe from culture theft.

  • Avatar for Kathleen King

    Kathleen King

    says:

    First, “smudging” is another of the First Nations’ customs which is meaningful but has been copied and co-opted by nonNative groups and individuals, for trivial or NO purposes as well as other more serious attributes. Many cultures believe in the purification or healthy effects of “washing” oneself or environment with burning herbs and that is laudable. However, Ms Lamb has a point in that large scale or uncontrolled burning of anything in an area protected by smoke detectors is simply counterintuitive! Public buildings and gatherings MUST be protected from fires. Likewise, folks who see insult everywhere need to take a deep breath and think. It seems to me that if the article — which is carelessly written to a degree in failing to point out early on that there were accommodations available — is correct, this whole controversy is a veritable “tempest in a teacup.” As a society, we must cease to demand “rights” where none have been denied, even if duly regulated for the public safety of all; a PRIME example is the insanity now extant over firearm ownership, possession and use!
    Smudging is designed to bring calm and peace not more dissent and hatred. Allow it to do its purpose — but those who seek it must be seeking the intended result rather than to “win” a fight. Ms. Lamb seems to have tried to do the correct, sensible thing but may not have publicized her efforts as best would have been.

  • Avatar for Richard/ Clutch Johnson

    Richard/ Clutch Johnson

    says:

    I’m looking forward to going to Albuquerque in April
    I am not native but enjoy the culture and respect it
    I believe in the American Indian
    And know they are coming back to be in their home again

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