A First Nations teenager in Manitoba has been threatened with suspension from school for smudging before classes.
Stephen Bunn, 17, says he uses smudging -- which involves burning dried sage leaves and other herbs -- as a healing process. He said his entire family has been smudging as often as possible to cope with his younger brother鈥檚 suicide.
But Bunn said officials at Crocus Plains high school in Brandon, Man., have told him three separate times that he would be suspended if he came to school smelling of sage.
Bunn has told broadcaster APTN that a teacher mistook the smell and accused him of smoking marijuana. He also said he has been questioned in the principal鈥檚 office about drug use.
The Brandon School Division says it鈥檚 enforcing a policy that encourages all students from having a 鈥渟trong scent.鈥�
But one lawyer says preventing any student from smudging, even outside of school, is an infringement of a basic human right.
Norm Boudreau told CTV Winnipeg that the school has a duty to accommodate Bunn and anyone else who wants to practice their faith.
Bunn said he will continue smudging no matter what.
鈥淚t actually helps me feel more confident about my day,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t just gives me an idea that my brother is around and he鈥檚 taking care of me from up there.鈥�
With a report from CTV Winnipeg
