At Joseph Brant Hospital (JBH), our commitment to inclusive, culturally sensitive care is exemplified through our support of Indigenous healing practices, including traditional smudging ceremonies.
"A smudging ceremony is a sacred Indigenous practice involving the burning of natural traditional plant medicines," explains Jody Harbour, founder of Grandmother's Voice. The ceremony typically involves four sacred medicines: tobacco, cedar, sage, and sweetgrass—each with unique properties and purposes. Smudging involves lighting these medicines until smoke gently emanates, which is then guided over the person's senses and body. "To cleanse the energy of the room is to remove any reminiscence of previous events, and to clear the space for new intentions. The medicine grounds us in the present moment, and invites clarity or spiritual connection," Harbour notes.
At JBH, our Sacred Space room (located on Level 1 of the South Tower) features specialized ventilation to accommodate smudging ceremonies, while outdoor spaces are also available for those who prefer to connect with nature during their practice.
Constance Marcus, Spiritual Care Coordinator at JBH, works closely with patients, families, and Indigenous Elders to coordinate these ceremonies, providing sacred medicines when needed and ensuring the space is properly prepared and reserved.
"Smudging in healthcare spaces offers spiritual comfort, emotional grounding, and cultural safety—especially for Indigenous patients navigating stressful diagnoses, treatment, or end-of-life care," Harbour explains. "It's not just about smoke—it's about being acknowledged as a whole person, with a spirit and cultural identity."
Anna Iacobelli, a member of JBH’s Board of Directors who participated in a smudging ceremony during a Board meeting, describes the impact: "It certainly felt that we were supporting and acknowledging Indigenous traditions as part of holistic health care. There was a tangible sense of cleansing the energy of the room and space."
From a governance perspective, Iacobelli emphasizes the importance of these practices: "It's very important that we demonstrate we are an inclusive hospital where patients can feel safe and bring their entire self to the environment—they shouldn't feel they need to hide any part of who they are."
"Western medicine is one component of healing, but many patients want to integrate traditional practices with spiritual or cultural elements," notes Iacobelli. "These ceremonies can provide emotional and spiritual comfort, helping families deal with stress, pain, or fear in ways that complement medical treatment."
By honouring the ceremonies, cultures, and traditions of Indigenous peoples, JBH demonstrates its understanding that spirituality is an essential aspect of holistic healing and patient autonomy. As we continue on our journey toward reconciliation and cultural safety, smudging ceremonies stand as a visible symbol of our commitment to respecting the diverse healing traditions of all those we serve.