New Smudging Area in DIHFS Clinic

​DIHFS's new cultural committee's first initiative was to find a quiet area in the clinic dedicated for traditional medicine and smudging. This task wasn’t easy, as DIHFS continues to grow its programs and utilizes all areas of the new location. Thankfully, the cultural committee and Behavioral Health Program teamed up to make it all happen and found a space.

Although not all tribes smudge, it was an important addition to what the clinic already provides to our urban Indian community. Smudging honors the spiritual aspect of healing by using traditional plant medicines. Adrianne Maddux, DIHFS Executive Director, expressed, “We have always smudged and provided different traditional teachings and blessings over the last 40 years, however, traditional services change as staff come and go. I am happy that [the cultural committee] is moving this forward and glad that we will have a committee to keep this going."

The smudging area has a table which currently holds cedar, sweetgrass, and sage, and any DIHFS patient can access this area during their visit. The smudging area is located at the end of the hall past the lunch bar. Any staff member will gladly show you to the area.

Chenoa Crowshoe-Patterson, LSW
Behavioral Health Therapist