Smudge
This short documentary follows three Indigenous women as they practice ancestral forms of worship: drumming, singing, and using sweetgrass. These ancient spiritual traditions may at first seem at odds with urban life, but to Indigenous people in Canada who are used to praying in natural settings, the whole world is sacred space.
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This short documentary follows three Indigenous women as they practice ancestral forms of worship: drumming, singing, and using sweetgrass. These ancient spiritual traditions may at first seem at odds with urban life, but to Indigenous people in Canada who are used to praying in natural settings, the whole world is sacred space.
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writerGail Maurice
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directorGail Maurice
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producerGerry Flahive
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editorKatharine Asals
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cinematographerMichael GrippoStanislaw Barua
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sound recordistPhil Brouwer
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additional cinematographyGail MauriceMarcus Elliot
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original music composerKen Myhr
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music performerKen Myhr
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production assistantJeff Jordan
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budget officerIda Di Fruscia
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senior production administration assistantJoanne Forrest
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production secretaryCorinne Herman
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technical coordinatorMark Wilson
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technical internNickolas Markovic
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marketing managerSue Mander
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production coordinatorLisa Broadfoot
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production supervisorKemp Archibald
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line productionDouglas MacFarlane
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audio post facilityKitchen Sync Digital Audio
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sound editorJakob Thiesen
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re-recording mixerKevin Tokar
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on-line servicesImarion
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online editorDan Johnston
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colouristDan Johnston
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production stills photographerJag Gundu
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executive producerSilva Basmajian
This documentary can inspire research, discussion, projects and entry points for developing foundational knowledge in relation to First Nations cultural practices and protocols. What is smudging within a First Nations context? What are some medicines that are used for smudging within various nations across Canada? What does the process of smudging reveal about worldview? What are the Protocols for smudging and gathering medicines from the land, and why are they important to uphold? Is there a difference between spirituality and religion? How do ceremonies connect with the natural world and passing of time? Why would the act of smudging and other spiritual practices be demonized and outlawed throughout Canadian history? What does the drum symbolize for various nations? Why was professional cultural awareness of Indigenous healing practices such as smudging one of the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (2015)? Can an understanding of traditional plants and uses contribute to building relationships?
