Value Our Traditions/Sacred Tobacco a radio series about reclaiming and honoring traditional American Indian tobacco Supported by ClearWay Minnesota
In these short radio segments, we feature American Indians from Minnesota, sharing their personal experiences and challenges of quitting commercial tobacco, reclaiming sacred tobacco and honoring their heritage.
Bill from White Earth talks about the cultural awakening around sacred practices and how schools are promoting using tobacco in a good way, rather than commercial smoking.
Lew grew up with tobacco, started smoking as a teen. But he finally quit after becoming very sick and ending up in ICU, with a life-threatening illness.
Dennis believes the one way to become a healthy people, is through the culture. He says practicing Native traditions out in the open now, is very healing.
Mary speaks about how she quit smoking: she just decided she was done, she was not a going to be a smoker anymore. Once she made up her mind, she says it surprisingly easy.
Adrian, a smoker, explains how using tobacco for Sacred purposes is completely different. He shares how he uses tobacco for praying and expressing gratitude.
Linda speaks about how smoking is a huge problem, leading to COPD and other health problems. And she shares how terrible it is to lose the people around you.
Danielle says she began smoking cigarettes to handle stress but notes that it does not reduce her stress. Now, she wants to quit, so she can be there for her grandchildren.
Indie, who works as a smoking cessation counselor, notes that everyone’s relationship with traditional tobacco is different. Some people are more connected, and some people don’t know much about Sacred Tobacco.
