The Use of Sacred Tobacco is Our Tradition

Our ancestors have used sacred Tobacco for thousands of years. Tobacco has grown on the North American continent for at least the last 8000 years.

Sacred sa•cred (say-krid) adj.

1. Dedicated to or set apart for worship.
2. Worthy of religious veneration.
3. Made or declared holy.
4. Dedicated or devoted exclusively to a single use, purpose, or person.
5. Worthy of respect; venerable.
6. Of or relating to religious objects, rites, or practices.

Tribal Elders are dedicated to keeping tobacco sacred. Tobacco is offered to the creator of the earth, for our land, our fish, our acorns, and our life. The creator gives us many gifts. These gifts must be respected and used in their proper way. Tobacco is a gift to be used in a sacred way with respect.

When used in a correct way with respect and honor it can promote good health and assist with spiritual guidance and growth. Each tribe across this United States has different ceremonial uses. Learn yours, use it, respect it. Our people all have a common knowledge of sacred, respect, and honor. Tribal Elders are dedicated to keeping tobacco sacred. Tobacco is offered to the creator of the earth, for our land, our fish, our acorns, and our life. The creator gives us many gifts. These gifts must be respected and used in their proper way. Tobacco is a gift to be used in a sacred way with respect. We thank the Creator of Mother Earth for our life. We offer her sacred tobacco in our ceremonies with respect.

Traditional Uses of Tobacco:

Risk of Cancer:	Very low, none if not inhaled.
Type of Use:	Tobacco offerings to the earth, the drum, a river or a fire.  Offerings are often placed/scattered by hand and are not often smoked. Smoking a Sacred Pipe (not all pipes contain tobacco when smoked.  In fact some tribes do not use tobacco at all.  Some tribal people will use a blend of tobacco with other herbs in their pipe). Offered to a Healer, Elder, or other person as a sign of respect
Benefits:	Discipline. Respect for the Creator and all creation. Understanding of one's culture. Spiritual development.
Special Notes:	There are many traditional ways to use tobacco.  It is smoked in some traditional ceremonies.  However, it is generally used less than once a month.  There is very little risk of cancer when used this way.