By Craig Hadley, Local 5109, inSolidarity Committee
On the eve of OPSEU/SEFPO Convention, the Indigenous Circle gathered to fulfill the sacred tradition of smudging the assembly space, including the perimeter, microphones and speakers. With seating for 2,800 members, staff and guests, OPSEU/SEFPO’s largest Convention ever, this was no easy task.
Shortly after, the Circle hosted the official opening smudge for OPSEU/SEFPO members, staff and guests.
Indigenous smudging ceremonies are used to purify and cleanse a person or space of negative thoughts using the smoke produced by burning dried sage.
Those being smudged use their hands to direct the smoke to their eyes, mouth, ears, heart, and earth.
This sacred act helps participants to “see the truth, hear the truth, and speak the truth”, explained Indigenous Circle Chair Krista Maracle, who guided participants through the smudging process.
OPSEU/SEFPO members were asked to form a large circle which allowed each person to be smudged. Maracle, assisted by other members of the Indigenous Circle, individually smudged each participant.
If you would like to participate in an Indigenous Circle smudging ceremony, another will be held Saturday morning at 7am in Simcoe Park (directly across the street from the MTCC North Building).
All members are invited to participate.
