Embracing tradition: A community smudging ceremony in 100 Mile House

June 4, 2024

From left to right: Alisha Sterling, Penny Ecker, Audrey Ward and Sheri Fleming were among the guests at the smudging ceremony at 100 Mile House District General Hospital.

Interior Health staff, alongside members from the Tsq̓éscen First Nation Canim Lake community, hosted a smudging ceremony at the 100 Mile House District General Hospital, creating a day filled with cultural significance and unity.

As participants arrived, the sounds of drums and singing from Tsq̓éscen First Nation drummers and singers filled the area. The cultural performance was not entertainment, but integral parts of ceremony that blend healing and tradition.

Elders from the community led the smudging ceremony by first explaining the significance of the smudging practice, a sacred ritual intended to purify and cleanse both the physical and spiritual walks of Mother Earth. The ceremony involves the burning of sage, cedar and sweetgrass. Each person had the opportunity to partake in the smudging as the group moved through the hospital.

Elder Tom Ned, who led the smudging, shared profound words that resonated with all those present.

“As a Tsq̓éscen First Nation band members, we have experienced loss, and the hospital has always been there to help our needs. It is a way to go and heal from loss, not just for our community but for all surrounding communities and 100 Mile, not just the families but the doctors and nurses, too,” he said.

“They are the front-line workers, and they also grieve with us.”

Two smiling women in bright skirts with ribbons and wearing black shirts, with one holding a red drum stand in a hospital — Indigenous Patient Navigators Alisha Sterling (L) and Penny Ecker (R) took part in the ceremonies at 100 Mile House District General Hospital. Indigenous Patient Navigator Sheri Fleming and Constable Jason Flett from Canim Lake RCMP also took part (seen in background).

Participants included individuals from various backgrounds and age groups, which highlighted the inclusive nature of the event. Families, Elders, youth and community leaders all stood together united by a shared respect for the traditional ceremony. It was a powerful reminder of the strength found in community and the importance of preserving and honoring cultural practices.

Sheri Fleming, an Indigenous Patient Navigator (IPN), emphasized the importance of working together. “Collaboration to me means working together with the communities to build stronger, healthier relationships within the health-care system so that our people feel safe accessing our services,” she shared.

Throughout the day there were moments of storytelling, shared laughter and silent reflections. Participants engaged in conversation about the significance of the smudging ceremony, the history of the land, and the importance of maintaining cultural traditions. These interactions fostered a deeper understanding and appreciation among those present, bridging gaps and building stronger community ties.

“It was a good experience as some of the energy changed from being heavy feeling of sadness to more happy energy. Relief and healing begins for all, is what it felt like,” noted Elder Tom Ned of the transformative experience.

Audrey Ward, practice lead for Indigenous Wellness on the Mental Health and Substance Use Transformation (MHSU) team, also expressed her gratitude for being able to take part. “This was an amazing event that we were privileged to participate in," she says.

As some of us know, our peoples struggle to feel safe in colonial systems that often fail to recognize our own way of being and knowing in terms of health and wellness, so to have the opportunity to drum, sing and smudge the negative energies away was significant and powerful.

-- Audrey Ward, practice lead, Indigenous Wellness, MHSU Transformation team

The success of the ceremony was a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Indigenous Patient Navigators (IPNs) and community members who planned and organized the event. Their efforts ensured that every detail was thoughtfully considered, from the cultural protocols to the logistical arrangements.

The commitment was evident in the seamless execution of the ceremony and the positive feedback from the participants. As the ceremony ended the participants began to leave with hearts full of gratitude and spirits uplifted by the experience. The smudging ceremony in 100 Mile House was more than just an event: it was a meaningful celebration of culture, community and connection.

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