The use of commercial tobacco is killing Native people. American Lung Association states in their Smoking and American Indians/Alaska Natives Fact Sheet-April 2006:

Historically Native People used tobacco in traditional ceremonies. To gain an understanding of the extent of traditional use of tobacco in modern times, NPCOH with support of a grant by the Spirit of Eagles-MAYO clinic conducted a survey among Native peoples. The conclusion of the survey was that while traditional tobacco use was widespread in the past, traditional use still remains today but not as widely used. It was also found that currently commercial tobacco and natural tobacco is used in ceremony.

As a result of this survey and in recognition that we want to reduce the risk of people getting cancer, NPCOH developed two policies:

• All of Native People's Circle of Hope events will be held only in smoke free facilities. (Adopted December 19, 2005)
• For religious tobacco use Native People's Circle of Hope advocates for the use of traditional tobacco and not commercial tobacco. (Adopted May 30, 2008)

To advocate for Smoke Free Life Styles NPCOH has developed tobacco related projects

• Promotion of the use of Traditional Tobacco in Ceremonies
• Free Poster----Traditional Tobacco is Sacred-Commercial Tobacco is Not
• Free Declaration Card
• Free Traditional Tobacco Source-If you need traditional or have traditional tobacco to donate to NPCOH and others, please contact NPCOH
• Promotion of Smoke Free Casinos

If you wish to obtain any of these free resources, please contact us.

Secondhand Smoke

Harm can come not only from the cigarette smoke a person gets directly from a commercial cigarette it can also come from the smoke drifting from the cigarette. The drifting smoke is called "second-hand" smoke. For an informative discussion detailing the harmful effects from secondhand smoke please download this pdf from Campaign for Smoke-Free Kids.