Breaking the Cycle: Tobacco, Tradition, and Healing in Native Communities
By Rex Cropp | World No Tobacco Day – May 31, 2025
Each year on May 31, the World Health Organization observes World No Tobacco Day, a global campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of commercial tobacco use. For Native American communities, this day carries unique meaning—because while traditional tobacco holds deep spiritual significance, commercial tobacco has caused immense harm.
Tobacco Use in Native Communities: A Dual Reality
For centuries, tobacco has been sacred to many Indigenous nations—used in prayer, ceremony, and offerings. However, commercial tobacco—sold in cigarettes, cigars, chew, and e-cigarettes—has become a leading cause of preventable disease and death in Native populations.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Indian Health Board (NIHB):
Native American and Alaska Native adults have the highest commercial tobacco use rate in the U.S.—nearly 1 in 3 adults report current use
Native teens are more likely to begin smoking at a younger age than their peers
Tobacco-related illnesses like lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke disproportionately affect Native people
Source: CDC Office on Smoking and Health, 2023; NIHB Tobacco Cessation Toolkit
What’s the Difference Between Sacred and Commercial Tobacco?
Sacred tobacco is used in many tribes for prayer, healing, and communication with ancestors or the Creator. It is not inhaled and is typically grown, harvested, and used with intention and respect.
Commercial tobacco, by contrast, is mass-produced and heavily processed—often containing more than 7,000 chemicals, including nicotine, arsenic, and formaldehyde. Its use is driven by addiction, not tradition.
As many Native leaders have said:
“We respect tobacco, but we do not abuse it.”
The Toll on Health
Commercial tobacco use is linked to nearly 1 in 5 deaths in Native communities. Specific health impacts include:
Lung disease (chronic bronchitis, COPD, lung cancer)
Heart disease and stroke—commercial tobacco doubles the risk
Diabetes complications—smoking worsens insulin resistance
Pregnancy complications, including low birth weight and stillbirth
Increased risk of COVID-19 severity, especially among elders and those with comorbidities
Source: U.S. Surgeon General’s Report on Smoking and Health, 2020
What Can We Do? Steps Toward Healing
Reclaim Tobacco’s Sacred Role
Encourage education about the cultural and spiritual use of tobacco. Support programs that teach youth the difference between sacred and commercial tobacco.
Support Cessation Programs Rooted in Culture
Programs that incorporate Native traditions, language, and community are more effective. Look for services that offer talking circles, sweat lodge ceremonies, and peer mentoring, along with nicotine replacement therapy if needed.
Protect the Next Generation
Avoid smoking around children and elders
Educate youth about the health risks of vaping and e-cigarettes, which are marketed aggressively on social media
Keep homes and community spaces smoke-free
Advocate for Change
Push for funding of tribally run tobacco prevention programs
Support legislation to limit commercial tobacco sales near schools or tribal centers
Work with tribal councils to establish smoke-free housing and events
The Smoke May Rise but So Can We
World No Tobacco Day is not just about quitting—it’s about reconnecting with tradition, healing from historical trauma, and empowering Native people to protect their health and sovereignty. As we honor our ancestors and protect our future generations, let us remember: our strength is in our stories, our culture, and our collective will to heal.
Resources for Native Communities
Keep It Sacred – National Native Network
https://keepitsacred.itcmi.org
(Culturally tailored commercial tobacco cessation resources)CDC Tips From Former Smokers – Native Stories
https://www.cdc.gov/tipsNIHB Tobacco Cessation Resource Center
https://www.nihb.orgIHS Tobacco Cessation Resources
https://www.ihs.gov/tobacco
