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I picked this resource because it can be used to make a digital timeline which is an assignment or part of one of my lessons.

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By Lu McCraw, NC Native Americans Commercial Tobacco Use Prevention & Treatment Coordinator, NCDHHS

November is , a time to honor the first people of North Carolina and other tribes nationwide. Tribes celebrate by sharing their culture with presentations, dancing, storytelling, and language. These traditions reflect the rich and diverse heritage of Native Americans who have contributed to the history, culture, and development of this country.

One of the most important and sacred traditions of many American Indian tribes is the use of for healing and prayer. Sacred tobacco, also known as nicotiana rustica, is a plant that has been cultivated and used by American Indians for thousands of years. It is different from the commercial tobacco (nicotiana tabacum) that is widely available today and contains harmful additives, including cancer-causing toxins.

Sacred tobacco is not only a plant but a symbol of the resilience, strength, and diversity of the American Indian people.

Despite hardships, many tribes did not give up their sacred tobacco traditions. They substituted commercial tobacco and continued their ceremonies in secret, risking harassment, and/or imprisonment. Some tribes preserved their seeds and knowledge of sacred tobacco, passing them down from generation to generation. However, most tribes lost nearly everything including, land, language, children, and much of their culture.

In 1978, after decades of struggle and activism, the was passed, which recognized the right of American Indians to practice their religion without interference from the government. This was a significant victory for the tribes; however, there were still challenges. Many suffered from the health consequences of commercial tobacco use, such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. , American Indians have the highest smoking rates and the lowest quit rates among all racial and ethnic groups in the United States. In the past two decades some tribes have fought to regain what they have lost by researching and re-educating themselves and then passing that knowledge to their children and grandchildren.

The American Indian Quitline provides telephone support for those trying to quit smoking or vaping. Call them today at 888-7AI-QUIT (888-724-7848 or I-800-QUIT-NOW.

As part of our Comprehensive Tobacco Treatment Specialist Training, we engage the North Carolina American Indian Tobacco Coordinator, Lu McCraw , who shares information on how to address health disparities created by commercial tobacco use in the AI/AN community. Check out our upcoming trainings here!

By Lu McCraw, NC Native Americans Commercial Tobacco Use Prevention & Treatment Coordinator, NCDHHS

November is National American Indian Heritage Month , a time to honor the first people of North Carolina and other tribes nationwide. Tribes celebrate by sharing their culture with presentations, dancing, storytelling, and language. These traditions reflect the rich and diverse heritage of Native Americans who have contributed to the history, culture, and development of this country.

One of the most important and sacred traditions of many American Indian tribes is the use of sacred tobacco for healing and prayer. Sacred tobacco, also known as nicotiana rustica, is a plant that has been cultivated and used by American Indians for thousands of years. It is different from the commercial tobacco (nicotiana tabacum) that is widely available today and contains harmful additives, including cancer-causing toxins.

Sacred tobacco is not only a plant but a symbol of the resilience, strength, and diversity of the American Indian people.

Despite hardships, many tribes did not give up their sacred tobacco traditions. They substituted commercial tobacco and continued their ceremonies in secret, risking harassment, and/or imprisonment. Some tribes preserved their seeds and knowledge of sacred tobacco, passing them down from generation to generation. However, most tribes lost nearly everything including, land, language, children, and much of their culture.

In 1978, after decades of struggle and activism, the American Indian Religious Freedom Act was passed, which recognized the right of American Indians to practice their religion without interference from the government. This was a significant victory for the tribes; however, there were still challenges. Many suffered from the health consequences of commercial tobacco use, such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , American Indians have the highest smoking rates and the lowest quit rates among all racial and ethnic groups in the United States. In the past two decades some tribes have fought to regain what they have lost by researching and re-educating themselves and then passing that knowledge to their children and grandchildren.

The American Indian Quitline provides telephone support for those trying to quit smoking or vaping. Call them today at 888-7AI-QUIT (888-724-7848 or I-800-QUIT-NOW.

As part of our Comprehensive Tobacco Treatment Specialist Training, we engage the North Carolina American Indian Tobacco Coordinator, Lu McCraw , who shares information on how to address health disparities created by commercial tobacco use in the AI/AN community. Check out our upcoming trainings here!

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The History and Significance of Sacred Tobacco for American Indians

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The American Indian Quitline provides telephone support for those trying to quit smoking or vaping.

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This resource is also very helpful for the digital timeline because it literally is a timeline of tobacco.

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History of Tobacco in the World — Tobacco Timeline

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Tobacco has a long history that stretches back to 6,000 BC, when Native Americans first discovered the tobacco plant.

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I chose this resource because its a good reminder to keep around when having the any kind of educational discussion on tobacco.