Ms. Large runs the Braided Journeys program at Archbishop O’Leary High for FNMI students. One of the sessions that Ms. Large offers is her traditional teachings on the Smudge Ceremony. This ritual cleansing ceremony has been practiced by the First Nations People in North America for thousands of years. There are a number of sacred plants that can be used in the ceremony such as sage and sweetgrass. Ms. Large explains these medicines and their connection to Mother Earth. She explains that what we take from the earth we must give back. The ceremony is held in a communal circle of all those who choose to participate. While in the act of smudging with the sacred smoke each participant prays to cleanse their mind, body, spirit and emotions. Smudging a physical space is also used to cleanse, purify and bless Mother Earth. Hundreds of students have learned about this Ceremony in Religion classes this semester. Thanks to Ms. Large and her work students have been able to learn about Indigenous spiritual traditions and their connection to the land, creating a deeper understanding of their environment.
