The Upper Grand District School Board (UGDSB) posted a draft this week of their revised policy regarding vaping and smoking and there is new language on Indigenous cultural practices.

Brent McDonald, executive superintendent of Student Support Services at the board, says traditional, ceremonial practices are allowed within the policy, as it aims to make exceptions in order to permit inclusivity throughout the board.

"This legislation and this policy completely supports and is supported by the Smoke Free Ontario Act, which does allow for exemptions and accommodations to be made for the ceremonial use of sacred medicines from our community members within the indigenous community," McDonald noted.

Smudging and other religious practices will be permitted within schools and other board establishments and are considered exempt from the legislation.

For those who do break the rules outside of when a cultural practice is occurring, McDonald added each situation differs.

"Administrators would handle that the way they handle any other breach of any of our policies or our code of conduct, which really links back to our progressive discipline policy and taking into account the student, the situation and the appropriate consequence," McDonald said.

He says the timing of the revision couldn't be better, as far as vaping goes, as local public health has been focusing on the issue and highlighting dangers in recent months.

The public has a chance to share their thoughts on the document, and McDonald says they welcome the feedback from the community. The deadline for feedback is Sept. 29. After that date, the draft will be reviewed and approved by board trustees.

To see the policy, visit the UGDSB website.

Listen to the CICW story below: