At the Center for Prevention we are funded from the proceeds of Blue Cross’ historical settlement with the commercial tobacco industry, and we use these resources to help fight health inequities in Minnesota. Addressing the harms caused by commercial tobacco is core to our work. While the overall smoking rate in Minnesota has dramatically decreased, commercial tobacco use remains one of the leading causes of death and disease. Marketing of these products continues to cause more destruction for communities of color, American Indians, immigrants and refugees.

Throughout its history, the commercial tobacco industry has been misrepresenting and appropriating American Indian traditions, values and beliefs to market and sell their products. It’s a direct assault on American Indian culture, traditions and practices.

We have had the privilege to work with tribal communities to help reduce harm caused by commercial tobacco, and we are grateful for what we’ve learned along the way. Understanding the difference between commercial tobacco and sacred tobacco is critically important for shifting the dominant narrative around Tribal communities and their health.  In the next three episodes of the State We’re In, we’ll explore how honoring sacred tobacco and cultural traditions can lead to healing for Anishinaabe and Dakota people in Minnesota.

These episodes are inspired by dedicated leaders who are doing this work. Over the summer we’ve had opportunities to have several conversations about sacred tobacco, healing from addiction, and health in Minnesota’s American Indian Communities.

We begin our series with conversations with Chris Matter, Senior Program Manager at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, and CoCo Villaluz, Senior Community Development Manager for ClearWay Minnesota, to get some background on how mainstream organizations and Native American communities are working together to reduce commercial tobacco use.