Beginning on July 22, 2023, the Fort Hall Youth Council has made smudging an essential part of every Youth Council meeting, creating a sacred space that honors their spiritual wellness and cultural traditions. Before each gathering, a respected adult performs a smudging over the meeting building, cleansing the environment and preparing it for positive energy.
Following this, each youth member individually smudges and blesses themselves as a way to center their spirit and mind. The ceremony continues as a youth volunteer—or sometimes one selected by the group—opens the meeting with a prayer, grounding the session in respect, intention, and community connection.
This consistent practice of smudging helps youth members stay connected to their cultural roots, promotes mindfulness, and sets a tone of reverence and unity throughout their work together. The Fort Hall Youth Council values the spiritual nature of this ceremony deeply and respectfully chooses not to share photographs, recognizing it as a private and sacred tradition.
Through incorporating this ceremony into their meetings, the council fosters a strong foundation of spiritual wellness that guides their leadership and service to the Fort Hall community. This intentional practice nurtures their growth as individuals and as a collective, honoring the power of tradition in strengthening Indigenous youth leadership.