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Procedures Relating to Burning of Traditional Medicines (7.14)
This online version is for convenience; the official version of this policy is housed in the University Secretariat. In case of discrepancy between the online version and the official version held by the Secretariat, the official version shall prevail.
Approving Authority: VP Finance and Administration
Original Approval Date: TBD
Date of Most Recent Review/Revision: N/A
Administrative Responsibility: Safety, Health, Environment and Risk Management (SHERM)
Parent Policy: 7.14 Burning of Indigenous Traditional Medicines
1.0 Request for Burning of Indigenous Traditional Medicines Permit
1.1 To burn Indigenous Traditional Medicines, you must complete and submit the Burning of Indigenous Traditional Medicines online request form. This form once completed will be submitted to Safety, Health Environment & Risk Management (SHERM) and the Office of Indigenous Initiatives (OII). This form must be completed at least one week (7 calendar days) in advance of the ceremony. There are select rooms that are exempt from the requirement to submit the online form which are listed in section 4.0.
1.2 Except for previously reviewed/recommended locations listed in 3.0, a safety review of the location shall be completed by SHERM and Facilities and Asset Management (FAM) in advance of the ceremony to determine if alternative safety provisions such as shutting down of the fire alarm system are necessary. Any required safety provisions must be in place before the ceremony can commence.
1.2.1 If after reviewing the space and it has been determined that a fire alarm system shut down is required, the person(s) listed on the Burning of Indigenous Traditional Medicines online request form shall co-ordinate with FAM by submitting a workorder through the Submit a Workorder Portal, to ensure the temporary shut down will occur at the correct date and time. The system shall be restored by FAM promptly after completion of the ceremony.
1.2.2 If the ceremony is to occur outside of normal business hours (Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.) any associated staffing costs incurred to accommodate the after hours shut down will be the responsibility of the person(s) or department listed on the Burning of Indigenous Traditional Medicines online request form. This would include spaces rented by those outside of Laurier for events, seminars and conferences.
1.2.3 It is the responsibility of the Person(s) listed on the Burning of Indigenous Traditional Medicines online request form to inform SHERM and FAM as soon as possible if a change to the date, time or location of the ceremony is required. Every effort will be made to accommodate the change. It will be at the discretion of FAM if the change does not allow enough time to facilitate the required shutdown, possibly resulting in the cancellation of the ceremony or additional charges.
1.3 The Burning of Indigenous Traditional Medicines shall not proceed until SHERM has issued a signed Location Notification form, after any necessary consultation with FAM, OII and the person(s) listed on the Burning of Indigenous Traditional Medicines online request form. A signed copy of the Location Notification Form will be issued as an approval and must be posted on the room door(s), during the Burning of Indigenous Traditional Medicines to serve as notification to those in the surrounding area.
1.4 Reservation and/or booking of any space, as it relates to the hosting of any ceremony, shall be completed as outlined in Policy 4.10 Booking of University Space and Facilities, and is not under the authority or administration of Policy 7.14 Burning of Indigenous Traditional Medicines, or this procedure.
2.0 Burning of Indigenous Traditional Medicine Practices
2.1 It is a requirement that a non-combustible object be used to hold the medicines during the ceremony. Examples include but are not limited to, an earthenware bowl, large shell, or other fireproof object.
2.2 Every precaution should be taken to avoid excessive burning which may lead to the production of excessive amount of smoke.
2.3 Ensure a fire extinguisher is accessible, and that a person trained in its use shall be present for the duration of the ceremony. For training, please contact SHERM at sherm@wlu.ca.
2.4 Following the conclusion of the ceremony, medicines shall be disposed of in a manner that will not cause a fire to occur. Those listed as designated person(s) on the Notification Form will ensure that all materials are fully extinguished and cooled before disposing of them in a safe manner. Traditional Medicines should also be disposed of in a culturally respectful manner such as gathering the ash and used medicines into a vessel to be carried outside and left at the base of a tree.
3.0 Reviewed/Recommended Locations
3.1 Refer to the website for the most up-to-date list of locations where the Burning of Indigenous Traditional Medicines can be performed without requiring a fire alarm system shutdown. Selecting a reviewed location will reduce processing time of any request form and eliminate any potential shut-down fees. Procedures listed in Section 1.0 and 2.0 must still be adhered too, in addition to any additional safety requirements outlined on the issued Notification Form. The Notification Form must be posted in the area during the ceremony.
4.0 Exempt Locations
4.1 The following are a list of locations which are exempt from having to submit the Burning of Indigenous Traditional Medicines online request form prior to the Burning of Indigenous Traditional Medicines. All Burning of Indigenous Traditional Medicines are still required the safety requirements outline in Section 2.0 of this procedure. All other locations not listed below must submit the online form.
- Indigenous Student Centre located at 157 Albert Street, Waterloo Ontario
- Indigenous Student Centre located at 111 Darling Street, Brantford Ontario
- Circle Room Research and Academic Centre East (RCE) 319, Brantford, Ontario
- Circle Room Faculty of Social Work (FSW) 320, Lyle Hallman Building, Kitchener, Ontario
5.0 Non-Compliance
5.1 Any misuse of the Burning of Traditional Medicines and non-compliance of Policy 7.14 or this Procedure may be reported to SHERM for investigation.
5.2 Failure to comply with Policy 7.14 or these procedures, resulting in a fine or charge from any associated regulatory authority, including the local Fire Department, may be applied to the responsible department or individual(s).