Keep Tobacco Sacred and Protect Your Health

Summer is here, but it’s not the season we are used to. In stressful times, we all want to feel normal, and for many that may include smoking cigarettes or vaping. However, setting goals can also make us feel better. Maybe now is the time to focus on getting more exercise, eating healthier, and reducing smoking and vaping.

Traditional Tobacco

Natural tobacco has been an important part of many Indigenous cultures. It is used in ceremony and prayer, and considered a sacred plant with immense healing and spiritual benefits. For these reasons, the tobacco plant is treated with great respect. Let’s continue to celebrate the cultural use of traditional tobacco while working together to remind youth of the dangers of commercial tobacco.

Commercial Tobacco

Commercial tobacco use is the leading cause of premature death in the world, killing more than 8 million people every year. More than 7 million of these deaths are from direct tobacco use with the remaining due to second-hand smoke exposure.

Commercial Tobacco Use in First Nations Communities1

of smokers

have tried to quit in the past

year