The story
Today’s school systems need to be inclusive, culturally empowering, and forward-looking.
In Eastern Ontario, a school board is taking that role seriously. Guided by an action plan, and with the council of Indigenous partners, it’s putting resources and infrastructure in place to help Indigenous students see themselves reflected in their learning.
The story
Today’s school systems need to be inclusive, culturally empowering, and forward-looking.
In Eastern Ontario, a school board is taking that role seriously. Guided by an action plan, and with the council of Indigenous partners, it’s putting resources and infrastructure in place to help Indigenous students see themselves reflected in their learning.
Some of these schools have started facilitating smudging ceremonies
While outdoor smudging is common, it’s also done inside for various reasons, like to cleanse a space before a meeting or event.
In the case of these schools, smudging often takes place in cultural spaces designed to promote the First Nations and Métis experience. Previously, the schools faced challenges with indoor smudging: the smoke could set off fire alarms and displace the entire school; it could also spread into nearby classrooms or corridors and affect individuals with sensitivities.
The school board turned to Envari Energy Solutions, a partner it had engaged for a previous ventilation project. Collaborating with the schools’ Indigenous Education Coordinator, Envari designed and implemented new ventilation systems that manage the smoke without disrupting the ceremonies.
These ventilation systems are tailored for each school, but the key is that they coordinate with the schools’ existing ventilation systems, isolate airflow from adjacent spaces, and draw the rooms to a negative pressure, which more effectively contains and evacuates the smoke.
Another benefit is that the systems are easy to fine tune. The variable-speed fans can speed up or slow down, and the duration the systems run can increase or decrease, all controlled through a building automation system. It’s important to have this flexibility since smudging ceremonies can differ based on group sizes, methods, intent, and other factors. The schools need wiggle room to see which settings work best. Additionally, as we look ahead, these systems can be programmed to synchronize with the lighting of the Qulliq, further enhancing the ceremonial experience.
Another benefit is that the systems are easy to fine tune. The variable-speed fans can speed up or slow down, and the duration the systems run can increase or decrease, all controlled through a building automation system. It’s important to have this flexibility since smudging ceremonies can differ based on group sizes, methods, intent, and other factors. The schools need wiggle room to see which settings work best. Additionally, as we look ahead, these systems can be programmed to synchronize with the lighting of the Qulliq, further enhancing the ceremonial experience.
Not only does it cultivate confidence in identity among First Nations and Métis students, but it can help all students build their capacity for intercultural understanding, empathy, and mutual respect, as listed under Action #63 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action.
Contact us
Thank you for reading the story!
We received your message. One of our representatives will contact you to start a discussion or answer any questions you may have.
Discover why forward-thinking design & engineering can take your building from ordinary to extraordinary.
The smarter the building, the more future proof it is. Make your building more attractive to own, operate, and lease.
Optimize energy use for your business. Make informed decisions with real-time data.
Protect your critical assets. Manage your underground cable effectively with CableQ by Envari.
Electric Vehicle adoption is on the rise. Take a proactive approach and future-proof your building.
Decrease your energy costs, and your carbon footprint, while gaining greater connectivity and control.