Minister steps up

Page 5

Dear Editor:

Re: Sweetgrass burning ban

The ban on smoking tobacco products in Alberta's jails is a commendable policy from a public health point of view. It recognizes the well-documented dangers of second-hand cigarette smoke on all concerned-inmates, correctional officers and administrators.

Second-hand cigarette smoke contains more than 4,000 chemicals, including carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, benzene and hydrogen cyanide-the same toxic soup inhaled by the smoker.

However, Sweetgrass is different.

Sweetgrass-which can include sweet grass, sage, cedar and fungus from diamond willow is considered sacred to Aboriginal people and burned to send prayers to the Creator on the smoke. It also purifies the surroundings, minds and bodies of those participating in the ritual.

Unlike direct consumption of cigarette smoke, the exposure is extremely limited. There is no scientific basis for claiming that coumarin, the primary chemical released by burning sweetgrass, is as dangerous as those released in second-hand cigarette smoke.

Banning sweetgrass in provincial correctional facilities also presents a significant restriction on an Aboriginal inmate's freedom to practice his or her religion, at a time when they may be most in need of spiritual support, guidance and healing.

It's not good enough to tell Aboriginal inmates they must go outside, even in freezing or wet weather, to burn sweetgrass when they pray. Nor is it acceptable to ban sweetgrass while permitting the practices of other religions, such as burning incense during Catholic services in the jail chapel. That is disrespectful of Aboriginal spirituality.

My department has worked with the Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission in developing a Guiding Circle with respect to ceremonial uses of tobacco and sweetgrass. I will continue to work with my colleagues within the Alberta government to ensure that the freedom of religion guaranteed by the Constitution to all Canadians is recognized and respected in our correctional facilities.

I urge everyone involved-inmates, guards and administrators-to take all steps necessary to ensure that burning sweetgrass is embraced as an acceptable form of spiritual expression and that any obstacles to this ancient ceremony are dismantled as quickly as possible.

-Minister Pearl Calahasen

Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development