Indigenous smudging protocol introduced to Sask. provincial courts brings some peace amid tragedy – CBC

Mar 05, 2023

Indigenous lawyer says smudging is good step forward, but wishes for courts to address systemic racism

Before Brian and Debbie Gallagher read their victim impact statements in a Saskatoon court Wednesday, and when the two people were sentenced for their role in disposing of the Gallaghers’ daughter’s body, both the accused and the family washed themselves in smoke from a smudge pan.

While the practice of traditional Indigenous smudging has been done in other courthouses in the province, last week was likely the first time it had happened since a new protocol was set in place in Saskatchewan’s provincial courthouses, though the court does not track the requests.

“I think that this was one of the most important things in the whole [court] process so far … it created an atmosphere where we were able to feel a little bit at peace,” said Brian.

Read More: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatoon/indigenous-smudging-protocol-saskatchewan-provincial-court-1.6768019