To respect sacred tobacco we first have to learn what respect is:

When an elder is in your presence you respect them.

• You offer them your chair.
• You offer them something to eat and drink.
• You never talk back to them.
• You assist them.
• You listen.

Respecting our tobacco is an important way to keep our heritage strong. Sacred tobacco is used for prayers to thank the Creator of Mother Earth for our many blessings, good health, great fishing, and good crops. Respect sacred tobacco, never abuse it. Sacred tobacco will not harm you if you use and respect it the way Creator intended.

To see more on uses of sacred tobacco, visit our interactive page.