Know the Difference



traditional tobacco Traditional tobacco has been used by many Aboriginal people in ceremonies, rituals and prayer for thousands of years. Using tobacco in non-traditional ways like smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco or snuff is abuse of its traditional purpose.

"Traditional tobacco is our SACRED connection to our Creator."
- Pauline Shirt, Elder, Cree Nation

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traditional tobacco Commercial tobacco is the leading cause of preventable illness and premature death in Canada. In Ontario, tobacco products kill over 16,000 people a year. Smoking rates among Aboriginal youth 15 - 17 years of age are more than triple those of the general Canadian population. High exposure to nicotine from first and second hand smoke has placed many Aboriginal families at high risk for serious health problems like heart disease and cancer.

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know the difference poster


Aboriginal Tobacco Program  |  Prevention and Cancer Control 505 University Avenue, Suite 1800, Toronto, Ontario    M5G 1X3

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