Creating Culturally Safe Care
Health, aged care and after-death services play a vital role in ensuring Ceremony can be facilitated respectfully when requested by families.
Campaign Objectives
Embedding policy pathways, strengthening partnerships with Elders and increasing First Nations death literacy across sectors.
A Shared Commitment: All In
In alignment with Reconciliation Australia’s 2026 theme, All In, Cleansing the Way calls on organisations to move beyond awareness toward meaningful action. Cultural safety requires commitment, policy alignment and genuine partnership.
Organisation are invited to:
- Facilitate Smoking or Cleansing Ceremonies during Reconciliation Week, NAIDOC Week or throughout June
- Engage local Elders and cultural practitioners in co-designing service pathways
- Review or implement organisational policies supporting Ceremony requests
- Build staff capability through cultural learning and community partnerships
Why This Matters?
01
Smoking and Cleansing Ceremonies are sacred cultural practices that honour Spirit, protect families, and support healing during times of loss.
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How Your Organisation Can Participate?
Embedding culturally grounded practice begins with practical steps.
01
Make the Pledge
Commit your organisation’s support to recognising and facilitating Smoking and Cleansing Ceremonies when requested.
02
Engage with Community
Partner with local Elders, cultural practitioners and knowledge holders to guide culturally appropriate processes.
03
Implement Policy Pathways
Review or adopt policies that enable Ceremony facilitation within your service environment.
04
Build Cultural Capability
Strengthen staff understanding of First Nations death literacy and Sorry Business protocols.
Walking in a Spirit-Led Way
Cleansing the Way is a call for organisations to recognise and support First Nations cultural responsibilities with respect, dignity, and ceremony.
Honouring Spirit
We acknowledge Spirit as central to healing, connection, and the journey beyond life, respecting cultural and spiritual beliefs.
Cultural Protocols
Traditional practices and protocols are recognised, respected, and supported in organisational environments.
Connection to Country
Ceremony supports connection to Country, ancestors, and community, honouring ancient knowledge and traditions.
Community & Responsibility
Organisations participate in shared responsibility to uphold First Nations cultural practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions? We’ve answered the most common ones here to help you get started
What is a Smoking or Cleansing Ceremony?
Smoking and Cleansing Ceremonies are culturally significant First Nations practices used to support healing, protect spaces and assist the safe passage of Spirit following death.
Is participation mandatory for organisations?
Who conducts the Ceremony?
Does this replace clinical or medical care?
Stand With Us
Join us in creating lasting change across health, aged care and after-death services.
Together, we can embed culturally grounded pathways that honour Spirit, ceremony and Country.
