Bracebridge Public School in Bracebridge, Ontario, has introduced a new smudging policy, giving students the chance to take part in the traditional Indigenous practice throughout the school year. The policy, posted on September 2, 2026, was created by the Trillium Lakelands District School Board’s Indigenous Student Success Team.
Smudging involves burning sacred medicines such as sage, sweetgrass, or cedar. The practice is common to many Indigenous Peoples and is used in teachings and ceremonies to encourage positive thinking. Students will be invited to participate, but it is always voluntary. Parents who do not want their child to take part can contact their child’s teacher.
The smudging policy states that students will have several opportunities to join in smudging during the year. It also explains that the practice is intended to help create a positive mindset by reminding participants to think, see, hear, speak, and show good thoughts and actions.
The school board, TLDSB, describes itself as a smudge friendly organization. It supports bringing Indigenous ways of knowing into classrooms across all its schools. The policy is part of the board’s ongoing commitment to respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.
Bracebridge is located on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg peoples. The new policy aligns with efforts at both the provincial and national level to incorporate Indigenous perspectives into education.
