The Ko’jua Okuom has taken an important step forward in supporting Indigenous ceremony on campus with the installation of a dedicated ventilation system that now allows for barrier‑free smudging inside the space.
The Ko’jua Okuom is the Indigenous community room and part of the Downie Wenjack Legacy Space in the Killam Memorial Library on Studley Campus. It was designed in collaboration with Indigenous colleagues to advance Indigenization, decolonization, and reconciliation at Dalhousie.
The space supports reflection and celebration, and features Indigenous books, art, and artefacts, including the Prosper Collection and a loaned collection of Mi’kmaw baskets.
“Smudging is part of a ceremony for purification while establishing a space for calmness,” says John R. Sylliboy, Dal’s vice-provost Indigenous Relations. Smudging involves burning sacred medicines.
The fragrance of burning sweet grass or sage surfaces feelings of belonging, openness, and safety.
“L'nu'k (Mi'kmaq) and Indigenous People who have long practiced this as part of their rituals are often instantly transitioned into a state of serenity when they see, feel, smell, and perform the ceremony. The fragrance of burning sweet grass or sage surfaces feelings of belonging, openness, and safety. This allows for our mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual foundations to be balanced in preparation for the space's intentional use.”
Responding to the needs of the community
From early consultations, it was clear that the ability to smudge directly within the room was essential for the community. Without a dedicated ventilation system, indoor smudges have required advance coordination to adjust building systems, which has limited the ability to use the space as intended.
The newly installed ventilation system now enables smudging to take place safely, respectfully, and whenever required, strengthening the cultural and ceremonial purpose of the Ko’jua Okuom to better support Indigenous students, faculty, staff, and community members.
The ventilation project was funded jointly by Facilities Management and Dal Libraries, with installation completed by MCW Custom Energy Solutions Ltd., the contractor wrapping up work on the Killam’s Deep Energy Retrofit project. As MCW was already on site, the collaboration provided an efficient and timely opportunity to complete this important enhancement.
L-R: Michael Vandenburg, Sarah Jane Dooley, Elaine MacInnis, Rachelle MacKay, Nellie Adams, Dave Little, Andre Mereshuk, Craig Arthur.
With the new ventilation system now in place, the Ko’jua Okuom is better prepared to support gatherings, ceremony, and meaningful connection for Indigenous community members.
An inaugural smudge led by Rachelle McKay, Indigenous knowledges and ways of knowing educational developer in the Centre for Learning & Teaching, underscored the significance of the moment and the positive impact this improvement will have on the future use of the space.
As Dal Libraries continues its work to enhance the Ko’jua Okuom the space stands as a vital expression of the university’s commitment to supporting Indigenous culture, ceremony, and community on campus.
The room’s name, selected by Elder Thomas Christmas, refers to an Indigenous dance of friendship.