[Tribal-drug-courts] question about smudging for Wellness Court

[Jill Tompkins]

Hi Kit,

At Penobscot Nation Healing to Wellness Court, there is smudging and a prayer said at the beginning of the status hearings. We share similar ancestors with the Ojibwe. We’ve also opened with a reading of the Seven Values or something similar. Individuals who are uncomfortable with the spiritual aspect can step out until that part’s over.  We did have the smoke alarm in our community center go off twice so that is something to consider. It’s not really smoking (which I think applies to cigarettes, cigars, etc.)  I wonder if an argument could be made that it’s an infringement on the right to religious exercise to ban the smudging completely (it’s not the least infringing approach). Maybe your County attorney could advise you on that.

Hope this helps.

Jill E. Tompkins (Penobscot)
Court Staff Attorney
Court of Central Jurisdiction
Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe
(320) 532-7597




From: Tribal-drug-courts <tribal-drug-courts-bounces at tribal-institute.org> On Behalf Of Kit Van Stelle
Sent: Friday, February 21, 2020 9:05 AM
To: tribal-drug-courts at tribal-institute.org
Subject: [Tribal-drug-courts] question about smudging for Wellness Court

Good Morning All,
I'm hoping to get this question out to all on the Wellness Court listserv to get your input.

I provide support to the Ashland Wisconsin Wellness & Recovery Court that serves primarily Ojibwe individuals in northern WI.  We have enhanced the long-running county drug court to create a Wellness Court hybrid by incorporating the Wellness Court 10 Key Components and traditional teachings.

A question for all of you out there....do any of you smudge as a group/team at the beginning of court hearings?  If so, how do you handle the non-smoking rules for public buildings?  We live in a climate where going outside isn't always practical.  I'm aware that some smudge with water instead.....do any of you do that?  We are trying to determine if this is feasible or if there are alternatives to help get everyone focused and in the right mindset for the hearing discussions.  We have a participant do an opening for the hearings to start in a good way, but are looking to enhance that.

Any help will be appreciated.
Thank you,
Kit



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********************************

Kit R. Van Stelle

KVS Evaluation Partners

Waunakee, WI

KVSEvaluationPartners at gmail.com<mailto:KVSEvaluationPartners at gmail.com>

Qualifications & Experience available via www.LinkedIn.com<http://www.LinkedIn.com>



Emerita Distinguished Researcher at the

University of WI School of Medicine and Public Health
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