Lakota Elders’ Views on Traditional Versus Commercial/Addictive Tobacco Use; Oral History Depicting a Fundamental Distinction

Abstract

This qualitative study is intended to elucidate Lakota elders' views on traditional tobacco and commercial/addictive tobacco use, capturing the oral history that depict the cultural protocol regarding traditional tobacco, called Cansasa. Commercial tobacco use has significantly impacted the Northern Plains Indians. National surveillance systems report that tobacco use is more prevalent among American Indian/Alaska Natives than any other population, and is notably higher than the national average. Lung cancer among Native Americans is highest in the Northern Plains and Alaska, where smoking prevalence is also the highest, and smoking is responsible for nearly 90 % of all lung cancer cases. Yet, the use of traditional tobacco is largely ignored by surveillance and seems to have a distinct, positive role. Using a community-based participatory research approach, semi-structured interviews, and qualitative analysis tools, the research team, including 2 Lakota tribe elders, Lakota speaking tribal college students, and university faculty, sought to discern tribal elders' distinctions between traditional and the addictive commercial tobacco. The team interviewed thirty Lakota elders, transcribed the interviews and field notes, and analyzed them using immersion/crystallization organizing framework. The research design engaged the Lakota tribal community in all stages, from planning to publication. Analysis revealed a clear distinction between traditional and commercial tobacco: tribal elders conveyed strong positive messages connected to traditional tobacco use (i.e., spirituality, respect, health and wellness, humility, and thoughtfulness) versus strong negative messages linked to addictive tobacco (i.e., crime, loss of control and self-esteem, lack of respect to self and others, sickness and death). These messages, along with stories in the Lakota language that were told and recorded during the interviews, can guide new ways to address addictive tobacco prevention in this community, to enhance cultural pride, and to serve as a cross-generation bridge regarding tobacco use.

Biomolecular archaeology reveals ancient origins of indigenous tobacco smoking in North American Plateau

“…Commercially grown species of tobacco have replaced indigenous tobacco and use of other smoke plants among many native peoples, a process that began several hundred years ago during earliest days of European colonization of the Americas. The shift from traditional smoking of indigenous tobaccos and other smoke plants to commercial tobacco products has had significant deleterious effects on tribal culture and health ( 5 , 45 , 46 ). Increased awareness of the history of tobacco and its role in the process of colonialization is critical to future smoking abatement programs, as is distinguishing between commercial manufactured tobacco and tobacco used in ceremonial and other traditional manners (often distinguished as “sacred tobacco” by native peoples) ( 4 , 47 ).…”

Nicotine dependence and psychiatric and substance use disorder comorbidities among American Indians/Alaska Natives: Findings from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions

“…For example, among some tribes, tobacco may be offered as a gift or burned to produce ceremonial smoke in order to convey prayers to a higher power (Daley et al, 2001). In one study by Margalit et al (2013), tribal elders conveyed strong positive messages connected to traditional tobacco use (e.g., spirituality, respect, health and wellness, humility, and thoughtfulness) versus strong negative messages linked to addictive tobacco (e.g., crime, loss of control and self-esteem, lack of respect to self and others, sickness and death). These messages, along with stories in the Lakota language were suggested to address smoking prevention, enhance cultural pride, and to serve as a crossgeneration bridge regarding tobacco use.…”

Perceptions and Prevalence of Alcohol and Cigarette Use Among American Indian Adults With Type 2 Diabetes

“…Relatedly, we did not ask participants to discuss traditional versus commercial tobacco, which may have uncovered nuanced attitudes worthy of consideration. For example, a study with Lakota elders found strong positive messaging (e.g., natural, sacred, hope) around traditional tobacco but negative messages (e.g., unnatural, for pleasure, arrogant) connected to commercial tobacco (52). Our quantitative data do not assess secondhand smoke exposure outside the home (e.g., in the workplace).…”