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ATA Strike Commencing on Monday; School Closures Starting Oct 6th

As a result of the Alberta Teachers Association (ATA) rejecting a proposed deal from the Teachers’ Employer Bargaining Association (TEBA), all FMPSD schools will be closed to students starting Monday, October 6, 2025, unless a new agreement is reached or strike action is otherwise averted. Additionally, all yellow school bus routes will be suspended for the duration of the strike.

In light of the ongoing strike, all extracurricular activities, including sports, clubs, and after-school programs, will be temporarily suspended.

As there is no definitive end date for the strike, FMPSD is unable to provide a timeline for when normal operations will resume. We will continue to provide timely updates as we receive them from the Ministry of Education and Child Care.

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General Administration AP 162 - Appendix A: Smudging / Pipe Ceremonies

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Background

The Division recognizes the spiritual needs of the Indigenous community. The Division recognizes that smudging and the use of herbs and tobacco are a part of the Indigenous traditional way of life and are, therefore, permitted in Division schools, subject to proper safety measures.

Definition

Smudging is an Indigenous tradition which involves the burning of sage, sweetgrass and/or cedar. Smudge produces a distinct odour, but the smoke associated with it is minimal and lasts a very short time. A smudge is burned to cleanse the body, mind, spirit of any bad feelings, negative thoughts, or negative energy - cleansing both physically and spiritually.

Procedures

  1. If smudging is to take place in a Division building, principals/supervisors must ensure staff understand the associated protocols and importance of smudging and pipe ceremonies as part of the Indigenous traditional way of life.
  2. If smudging is to take place in a Division building it will be in a designated area.
  3. Any areas designated as smudging areas are to be in a well-ventilated area and approved by the Director of Operations and Maintenance.
  4. Designated smudging areas must contain a fully charged fire extinguisher.
  5. Staff responsible must be instructed on the use of fire extinguishers.
  6. When smudging ceremonies are completed the materials must be fully extinguished and disposed of in an appropriate manner
    1. Smoking or warm smudging materials need to burn out on their own.
    2. Smudge remnants and matches are to be placed in a tin can and saved.
    3. Smudge remnants are never to be placed in trash receptacle.
  7. Tobacco is used in pipe ceremonies and only by a pipe carrier.

Adopted:

September 21, 2016

Amended:

October 23, 2018, December 30, 2021

Reference:

Section 20, 60, 61, 96, 113, 117 School Act

Tobacco and Smoking Reduction Act

Tobacco Act (Canada)

Bill 26 An act to control and regulate cannabis

Cross References:

AP 162 Smoke-Free Facilities

AP 162 Appendix A Smudging / Pipe Ceremonies