Smudging and Sweat Lodge

The University of Montana has collaborated with UM Housing, the Payne Family Native American Center and the Branch Center to reinforce the rights of Native students to smudge in their housing units and other designated spaces on campus. 

As our Native students navigate UM, it is important to recognize that these spaces serve an important role in supporting them. With past traumas and recent civil unrest, our Native students consistently need to use these cultural tools/practices to heal themselves and gain the mental clarity to accomplish collegiate expectations, leverage relationships and maintain connections to their home/culture.

UM students and visitors can go to the Payne Family Native American Center and the Branch Center to smudge from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. 

Smudging Policy and Procedure

If you want to smudge and live in the UM housing units, please fill out the Smudging Request Form. 

Read UM's smudging policy here.

Sweat Lodges

The University of Montana recognizes the time-honored Indigenous tradition of purification through the use of sweat lodges and provides a designated place on university property for this activity. Please contact UM Natural Areas and American Indian Student Services for more information.