Unlike the commercial tobaccos that are found in most cigarettes, native smokes are grown and processed on First Nation reserves. They are low in nicotine, and often have a more pleasant aroma, as well as less harmful chemicals. They are also a more sustainable option, as the plants are harvested and sold directly to customers.

While native smokes have dropped across the country, it remains a problem for tribal communities. The main reason, according to Boudreau, is that many tribes have a different relationship with tobacco than the rest of society does. It’s sacred to them. That’s why it will be harder for them to kick the habit than other groups of smokers.

As a result, anti-smoking efforts in tribal communities often fall short. Instead of just telling people how bad it is, tribes need to rethink how tobacco fits into their culture and history, say some researchers.

Native Smokes: Understanding the Options

The way we see tobacco is fundamental to how we use it. This can mean bringing back ceremonial uses, or simply making it more acceptable to smoke for fun. In the case of the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians, it means rekindling their old relationship with the tobacco that helped them prosper before colonization and the fur trade.

For some, that might be as simple as allowing them to buy the tobacco they need in their own language and from an online store that caters to their needs. It’s more accessible, and it helps them avoid the judgment that might come from purchasing in a traditional storefront.

Native Cigarettes Canada
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