Native Case Studies

Enduring Legacies Native Cases
Explore This Section
Home About All Cases Teaching with Cases Writing Cases Resources
Does Smudging Belong in the Workplace?
Author(s)
Toby Sawyer
Disciplines
Business and Management Communications Health Law Native American Studies Political Science and Public Administration Psychology Social Work and Sociology
Themes
Community Development Cultural Preservation Family and Youth Health and Wellness Human Services Indian Identity Indigenous Science
This short case describes a conflict among the staff at an urban Indian center about the use of smudging in the workplace. An employee used a smudging ritual to cleanse the office after a hostile client stormed into the center and threatened his ex-wife and the staff. He was subsequently arrested. The center staff is divided about the appropriateness of using smudging in the workplace. The director must make a decision about how to handle the situation.
Documents