Smudging the barriers away: crafting the Patient Access to Indigenous Spiritual Ceremony policy

Alberta Health Services enacted the Patient Access to Spiritual Ceremony policy on National Indigenous Peoples' Day in 2023. The policy aims to directly support Indigenous patients to practice their traditional ceremonies on healthcare premises. This paper details the process of developing and implementing the policy, explores the challenges, and underscores the broader implications for healthcare institutions seeking to integrate cultural practices. Relational conversations and storytelling with key players in the development of the policy were carried out, explored alongside review of the literature and analysis of ethical considerations. Policy development involved consultations with Indigenous communities, Elders, and healthcare professionals to ensure cultural authenticity and safety of the policy implemented across various healthcare levels. The development process encountered several challenges that required careful navigation, including managing open flames within medical facilities, addressing concerns around ceremonial smoke, and the effort to institutionalize such a policy highlighted underlying issues of racial bias that needed to be addressed proactively. The policy exemplifies a commitment to respecting spiritual practices while maintaining a safe and inclusive environment for patients and represents a significant stride towards addressing historical injustices and promoting cultural inclusivity in healthcare.