Marigold Hospice community gathers for Indigenous smudging ceremony
Recently, the Marigold Hospice community gathered at the hospice site in Newcastle, Ontario to participate in a sacred Indigenous smudging ceremony, guided by Grandmother Kim Wheatley, a band member of Shawanaga First Nation on the shores of Georgian Bay.
Anishinaabe Traditional Grandmother Kim, who carries the spirit name Head or Leader of the Fireflower, used the smoke of sacred medicines to bring positive energy and cleanse the new hospice space, which would soon welcome its first clients.
“Today, as we stand together on these beautiful three acres of land—surrounded by trees, fresh air and new beginnings—we acknowledge not just the building that now stands here, but the purpose it serves—to offer comfort, compassion and dignity at one of life’s most sacred thresholds,” said Aleena Halliwushka, Director, Home and Community Care, VON Ontario East.
Marigold Hospice is situated within the traditional and treaty territory of the Mississaugas and Chippewas of the Anishinaabe, known as the Williams Treaties First Nations.
“As visitors, today we are thankful for the Indigenous Peoples who have long cared for the ground we stand on,” said Aleena. “We acknowledge the connection the Indigenous Peoples have with our Mother Earth, and we respect that relationship, as it allows us to understand how to be sustainable and survive on this land, not only in the past or the present, but into the future, together.”
The smudging ceremony is a sacred Indigenous practice, calling in purification, blessing and balance. Through the smoke of sacred medicines like sage and Semah or tobacco, participants cleanse the space, invite positive energy and set the tone for the care and presence that will be offered within the hospice walls.
“It is also a gesture of gratitude to the land we now stand upon—land that has held many generations before us, and will continue to hold those who come to this hospice for comfort, connection and peace,” said Aleena.
The ceremony took place on October 14th, prior to the official opening of the hospice facility on October 17th. VON Canada President and CEO Jo-Anne Poirier joined Marigold Hospice Care Board Chair Melodie Zarzeczny and elected officials for a ribbon-cutting ceremony and tour of the new facility.
Clinical and operational services at the hospice will be provided by VON. “With great pride, VON looks forward to providing holistic palliative care services to Marigold clients and their families,” said Jo-Anne. “The Clarington community has done a tremendous job of bringing this project to fruition, garnering the support of donors and the government to bring essential care to community members navigating their end-of-life journeys. We look forward to being part of it.”
For more information, please visit marigoldhospicecare.ca
