The DOI matches its Crossref record; 21 of the 22 references it cites were found in a registry or an index; none of the 40 sources its claims cite is checked for support yet.
Decolonization of Tobacco in Indigenous Communities of Turtle Island (North America)
Open accessAbstract
Indigenous peoples represent a diversity of cultures, perspectives, languages, experiences, and protocols that bring tremendous vibrancy across Turtle Island, commonly known as North America. We acknowledge the diversity of practices among these peoples, especially in their relationship with tobacco. The colonization of Turtle Island, which escalated after Christopher Columbus accidentally came unto the lands of the Arawakan people of the Caribbean, not only altered—and continues to alter—the culture, language, and traditions of the original inhabitants of this land, but it also has modified how tobacco is discussed.1 Colonization is the action(s) or process(es) of settling and establishing control over the respective Indigenous peoples of the land, in this case across Turtle Island. Colonization also determines whose values and knowledges are privileged. This commentary discusses the impact of colonization on tobacco, the introduction of commercial tobacco, the relationship between tobacco and Indigenous populations, as well as the harmful influence this exchange has on Indigenous health and well-being. Decolonizing tobacco seeks to actively reverse and remedy the colonization of tobacco, through direct action, listening, and privileging Indigenous voices and peoples. This is consistent with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. There are many different species of tobacco plants indigenous to Turtle Island, including Nicotiana rustica and Nicotiana tabacum. Before colonization, many Indigenous peoples used tobacco as a sacred medicinal plant in ceremonial and cultural practices, often to promote wellness for individuals and communities. Most Indigenous peoples across the world have unique practices, protocols, and relationships with a variety of plants. Some Indigenous peoples do not use tobacco, but different types of plants, such as red willow (the Lakota’s Caŋsasa and the Anishinaabe’s Asemaa). Even though red willow is not a Nicotiana species plant, these tribes refer to these plants as “ceremonial tobacco,” “sacred tobacco,” “traditional tobacco,” or “natural tobacco.” “Tobacco” is said to have been a term in Taíno, a language of the Arawakan people, but was claimed by the Spanish in 1550. This claiming of language was one of the first forms of colonization, setting a dangerous precedent.2,3 Years later, European settlers continued this pattern of colonization by industrializing and modifying tobacco—developing the tobacco plant as a plantation crop. Subsequent mass production and distribution of adulterated tobacco, in the form of cigarettes, have resulted in commercial tobacco products being available in large quantities and low-cost, readily accessible forms. Materials added to commercial cigarettes by the tobacco industry may have masked smells, increased nicotine content, exacerbated addictiveness, and lowered production costs, but more importantly, these modifications and alterations threaten the sacred nature of the plant for many Indigenous peoples.4 The tobacco industry continues to adulterate and manipulate tobacco, more recently through the production of electronic cigarettes, which vaporize extracted nicotine together with other fluids, flavors, and other additives, further distancing these commercial tobacco products from the tobacco plant’s origins.5 The global promotion of commercial tobacco, and the subsequent addiction of Indigenous peoples to commercialized nicotine products, is a modern form of colonization and subjugation at national and international levels.5 Indigenous knowledge values, behaviors, and protocols have been suppressed (oftentimes appropriated for financial gain) through colonization processes implemented by governments, churches, and other institutions.6–8 For example, the US federal government passed the Code of Indian Offenses in 1883, prohibiting Indigenous peoples from the right to perform cultural and traditional ceremonial practices, such as the ghost and sun dances. Both of these ceremonial practices involved the use of ceremonial tobacco.9,10 In Canada, ceremonial tobacco use and ceremonial practices were more broadly illegal under the Indian Act of 1885 and its associated amendments.8 However, commercial tobacco use was not illegal, contributing to the promotion of commercial tobacco use among First Nations (status and non-status) and Métis peoples.8,11 As a direct consequence of these policies, commercial tobacco products were introduced into ceremonial practices as a harmful and unsustainable replacement to sacred tobacco.1,8,11 The restrictions of cultural and ceremonial practices, including use of ceremonial tobacco, were finally lifted in the United States in 1978 and in 1951 in Canada.8,9 Among some Indigenous peoples, the modification, transformation, and commercialization of the Nicotiana tobacco plant belittle, disrespect, and complicate the understanding of these plants that are endemic to Turtle Island.12,13 The wide
Overview
AI snapshot
Written from the paper’s full text.
TL;DR
This commentary argues that the globalization and mass production of commercial tobacco constitutes a modern form of colonization that has been imposed on Indigenous peoples of Turtle Island (North America), displacing and threatening sacred/ceremonial tobacco. The authors call for decolonizing tobacco by distinguishing "commercial" from "ceremonial" tobacco and offer six recommendations for researchers, funders, and professional organizations.
Key findings
As a commentary, it advances arguments rather than reporting original data:
- Colonization suppressed Indigenous ceremonial practices involving tobacco (e.g., the US Code of Indian Offenses of 1883 and Canada's Indian Act of 1885), while commercial tobacco remained legal, leading commercial products to be substituted into ceremonial practices; restrictions were lifted in 1978 (US) and 1951 (Canada).
- Indigenous peoples of Turtle Island report the highest prevalence of cigarette smoking, "with above 50% in many communities, and lowest quit rates of all groups," contributing to higher smoking-related morbidity and mortality.
- The authors argue that "tobacco endgame" and deficit-based public health language that fails to distinguish commercial from ceremonial tobacco constitutes "further colonial erasure."
- Six recommendations are offered, including policies protecting and revitalizing ceremonial tobacco, normalizing the term "commercial tobacco" in regulatory science, and meaningful engagement with Indigenous leaders consistent with the WHO FCTC and UNDRIP.
Methods
Not stated in the paper (commentary; no study design, sample, or analysis is described). The authors describe their approach as reflecting on acts of colonization and their impacts and offering recommendations, grounded in cited literature and UNDRIP Article 24.
Limitations
Not stated in the paper. Evident from the text: this is a commentary without empirical data, so its claims rest on cited literature and the authors' normative argument; the authors also acknowledge the diversity of Indigenous practices and relationships with tobacco, cautioning that decolonization efforts "must work carefully in such a way that does not continue to disenfranchise Indigenous peoples or restrict the use and understanding of ceremonial tobacco."
Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.
Integrity signals
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Verification
Claims the paper makes
10 Check pending · 6 No full text of the sources · 6 Not checked yet · 3 Own interpretation · 1 Sources not found
In the paper
“The global promotion of commercial tobacco, and the subsequent addiction of Indigenous peoples to commercialized nicotine products, is a modern form of colonization and subjugation at national and international levels. 5”
What the sources say
- Check pendingcites [5] Waa, 2020, Foundation for a smoke-free world and healthy Indigenous futures: an oxymoron?, Tob Control. source
plainstates a cause- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
In the paper
“As a direct consequence of these policies, commercial tobacco products were introduced into ceremonial practices as a harmful and unsustainable replacement to sacred tobacco. 1,8,11”
What the sources say
- Check pendingcites [1] Boudreau, 2016, Why the world will never be tobacco-free: reframing “tobacco control” into a traditional tobacco movement, Am J Public Health. source
- Not checked yetcites [8] Final report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, 2015
- Not matchedcites [11] Flannery, The Conflict of Tobacco Education Among American Indians: Traditional Practice or Health Risk?
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
plainstates a cause- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
None of the sources cited for this claim have been checked yet.
In the paper
“Colonization is not a historical artifact or mere moment in history; it continues to harm contemporaneously. 6,7”
What the sources say
plainstates a cause- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: unclear — It is unclear whether it could be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
A check of a cited source is scheduled, or we don’t hold its full text yet; the claim is checked once it runs.
In the paper
“Indigenous knowledge values, behaviors, and protocols have been suppressed (oftentimes appropriated for financial gain) through colonization processes implemented by governments, churches, and other institutions. 6-8”
What the sources say
- Not checked yetcites [6] D′Silva, 2018, Tobacco industry misappropriation of American Indian culture and traditional tobacco, Tob Control. source
A check is scheduled.
- Not checked — no full text of the sourcecites [7] Paradies, 2016, Colonisation, racism and indigenous health, J Popul Res source
- Not checked yetcites [8] Final report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, 2015
A check is scheduled.
plainstates a cause- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
- Not checked yet
In the paper
“In Canada, ceremonial tobacco use and ceremonial practices were more broadly illegal under the Indian Act of 1885 and its associated amendments. 8”
What the sources say
- Not checked yetcites [8] Final report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, 2015
plain- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
In the paper
“Commercial tobacco and its derivatives represent a threat to physical health, spiritual health, and well-being for Indigenous peoples of Turtle Island. 5”
What the sources say
- Check pendingcites [5] Waa, 2020, Foundation for a smoke-free world and healthy Indigenous futures: an oxymoron?, Tob Control. source
plainstates a cause- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
A conclusion the paper draws from its own results — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“Communities are now reclaiming traditional practices that were suppressed through colonization and forced assimilation into settler society.”
plainstates a cause- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
In the paper
“Some European-American tobacco researchers and institutions follow this practice, striving to foster a culturally safe environment in alignment with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). 24”
What the sources say
- Not checked yetcites [24] United Nations General Assembly, 2007
plain- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: unclear — It is unclear whether the paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
In the paper
“Among some Indigenous peoples, the modification, transformation, and commercialization of the Nicotiana tobacco plant belittle, disrespect, and complicate the understanding of these plants that are endemic to Turtle Island. 12,13”
What the sources say
- Check pendingcites [12] Daley, 2011, Influence of traditional tobacco use on smoking cessation among American Indians, Addiction. source
- Not checked yetcites [13] Winter, 2000
plainstates a cause- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
In the paper
“Indigenous communities, researchers, and advocates have carefully differentiated between 'commercial tobacco' and 'ceremonial tobacco' (also called 'sacred' or 'traditional' tobacco). 12,21-23”
What the sources say
- Check pendingcites [12] Daley, 2011, Influence of traditional tobacco use on smoking cessation among American Indians, Addiction. source
- Not checked — no full text of the sourcecites [21] Unger, 2006, Perceptions of ceremonial and nonceremonial uses of tobacco by American-Indian adolescents in California, J Adolesc Health. source
- Check pendingcites [22] Alderete, 2010, Ceremonial tobacco use in the Andes: implications for smoking prevention among indigenous youth, Anthropol Med. source
- Not checked — no full text of the sourcecites [23] Margalit, 2013, Lakota elders’ views on traditional versus commercial/addictive tobacco use; oral history depicting a fundamental distinction, J Community Health. source
plain- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
- Probably not a substantial claim. 7
- It may state two separate claims as one. 10
In the paper
“There is significant potential in successfully decolonizing Indigenous peoples' relationships with tobacco while improving health and well-being, by addressing this completely preventable cause of morbidity and mortality.”
What the sources say
- Not checked — no full text of the sourcecites [25] Nadeau, 2012, Circles of tobacco wisdom: learning about traditional and commercial tobacco with Native elders, Am J Prev Med. source
boostedstates a possible cause- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: fails — It may be too vague to check against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim. It may be too vague to check against evidence.
In the paper
“Public health experts and institutions have referred to the widespread availability of commercial tobacco and concomitant disease as the 'tobacco epidemic.' 19”
What the sources say
- Check pendingcites [19] Rasmus, 2019, The qasgiq model as an indigenous intervention: using the cultural logic of contexts to build protective factors for Alaska Native suicide and alcohol misuse prevention, Cultur Divers Ethnic Minor Psychol. source
plain- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: fails — The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
In the paper
“Materials added to commercial cigarettes by the tobacco industry may have masked smells, increased nicotine content, exacerbated addictiveness, and lowered production costs”
What the sources say
- Not checked — no full text of the sourcecites [4] Wilson, 2019, Diné (Navajo) healer perspectives on commercial tobacco use in ceremonial settings: an oral story project to promote smoke-free life, Am Indian Alsk Native Ment Health Res. source
hedgedstates a possible cause- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
It may state two separate claims as one.
In the paper
“Furthermore, bringing attention to this issue is expected to lead to significant benefits within Indigenous communities, and better informing policies and programs aimed at eliminating the harm of commercial tobacco. 25”
What the sources say
- Not checked — no full text of the sourcecites [25] Nadeau, 2012, Circles of tobacco wisdom: learning about traditional and commercial tobacco with Native elders, Am J Prev Med. source
hedgedstates a cause- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: fails — It may be too vague to check against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim. It may be too vague to check against evidence. It may state two separate claims as one.
None of the sources cited for this claim have been checked yet.
In the paper
“Both of these ceremonial practices involved the use of ceremonial tobacco. 9,10”
What the sources say
- Not checked yetcites [9] Inouye, 1992, Discrimination and Native American religious rights, UWLA L Rev
- Not checked yetcites [10] Wunder, 1999
plain- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: unclear — It is unclear whether the paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
It may state two separate claims as one.
None of the sources cited for this claim have been checked yet.
In the paper
“However, commercial tobacco use was not illegal, contributing to the promotion of commercial tobacco use among First Nations (status and non-status) and M é tis peoples. 8,11”
What the sources say
- Not checked yetcites [8] Final report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, 2015
- Not matchedcites [11] Flannery, The Conflict of Tobacco Education Among American Indians: Traditional Practice or Health Risk?
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
plainstates a cause- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
It may state two separate claims as one.
A conclusion the paper draws from its own results — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“While these efforts to reduce harmful tobacco products are beneficial, working toward the 'tobacco endgame' without acknowledging the differences between commercial and ceremonial tobacco serves as further colonial erasure.”
plainstates a cause- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: fails — It may be too vague to check against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim. It may be too vague to check against evidence.
None of the sources cited for this claim have been checked yet.
In the paper
“The restrictions of cultural and ceremonial practices, including use of ceremonial tobacco, were finally lifted in the United States in 1978 and in 1951 in Canada. 8,9”
What the sources say
- Not checked yetcites [8] Final report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, 2015
- Not checked yetcites [9] Inouye, 1992, Discrimination and Native American religious rights, UWLA L Rev
plain- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: unclear — It is unclear whether the paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
It may state two separate claims as one.
In the paper
“Researchers and policymakers have increasingly called for the use of asset- or strength-based intervention approaches to promote wellness for Indigenous peoples. 18,19”
What the sources say
- Check pendingcites [18] Henson, 2017, Identifying protective factors to promote health in American Indian and Alaska native adolescents: a literature review, J Prim Prev. source
- Check pendingcites [19] Rasmus, 2019, The qasgiq model as an indigenous intervention: using the cultural logic of contexts to build protective factors for Alaska Native suicide and alcohol misuse prevention, Cultur Divers Ethnic Minor Psychol. source
plain- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: fails — The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
In the paper
“As a form of reclamation and cultural revitalization, Indigenous communities in urban, rural, and remote settings are actively promoting the recognition, growth, and use of ceremonial tobacco as well as addressing commercial tobacco misuse. 20”
What the sources say
- Not matchedcites [20] Keep It Sacred National Native Network
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
plain- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
It may state two separate claims as one.
- Not matched
A conclusion the paper draws from its own results — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“but the impure and dangerous form of tobacco brought to Indigenous communities by colonizers distances Indigenous peoples from their ceremonial or traditional tobacco.”
plainstates a cause- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: fails — It may be too vague to check against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: fails — The paper may give no reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim. It may be too vague to check against evidence. The paper may give no reason why it holds.
In the paper
“Today, Indigenous peoples of Turtle Island report the highest prevalence of cigarette smoking, with above 50% in many communities, and lowest quit rates of all groups. 14-16”
What the sources say
- Not checked — no full text of the sourcecites [14] Agaku, 2020, Disparities in current cigarette smoking among US adults, 2002-2016, Tob Control. source
- Check pendingcites [15] Hautala, 2020, Latent trajectories and profiles of commercial cigarette smoking frequency from adolescence to young adulthood among North American indigenous people, Nicotine Tob Res. source
- Not matchedcites [16] American Indian Cancer Foundation
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
plain- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
It may state two separate claims as one.
In the paper
“The colonization of Turtle Island, which escalated after Christopher Columbus accidentally came unto the lands of the Arawakan people of the Caribbean, not only altered-and continues to alter-the culture, language, and traditions of the original inhabitants of this land, but it also has modified how tobacco is discussed. 1”
What the sources say
- Check pendingcites [1] Boudreau, 2016, Why the world will never be tobacco-free: reframing “tobacco control” into a traditional tobacco movement, Am J Public Health. source
plainstates a cause- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
It may state two separate claims as one.
A claim is checked only against the cited paper’s full text, never its abstract, and none is available for its sources.
In the paper
“This claiming of language was one of the first forms of colonization, setting a dangerous precedent. 2,3”
What the sources say
- Not checked — no full text of the sourcecites [2] Ernst, 1889, On the etymology of the word tobacco, Am Anthropologist source
- Not checked — no full text of the sourcecites [3] Danubio, 1987, The decline of the Tainos. Critical revision of the demographical-historical sources, Intl J of Anthropology source
plainstates a cause- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: unclear — It is unclear whether the paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
It may state two separate claims as one.
A claim is checked only against the cited paper’s full text, never its abstract, and none is available for its sources.
In the paper
“'Tobacco' is said to have been a term in Taíno, a language of the Arawakan people, but was claimed by the Spanish in 1550.”
What the sources say
- Not checked — no full text of the sourcecites [2] Ernst, 1889, On the etymology of the word tobacco, Am Anthropologist source
- Not checked — no full text of the sourcecites [3] Danubio, 1987, The decline of the Tainos. Critical revision of the demographical-historical sources, Intl J of Anthropology source
hedged- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: passes — It can be checked against evidence.
- Load-bearing: unclear — It is unclear whether the paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
It may state two separate claims as one.
In the paper
“but more importantly, these modifications and alterations threaten the sacred nature of the plant for many Indigenous peoples. 4”
What the sources say
- Not checked — no full text of the sourcecites [4] Wilson, 2019, Diné (Navajo) healer perspectives on commercial tobacco use in ceremonial settings: an oral story project to promote smoke-free life, Am Indian Alsk Native Ment Health Res. source
plainstates a cause- Asserted: passes — The authors put it forward as true.
- Checkable: fails — It may be too vague to check against evidence.
- Load-bearing: passes — The paper’s conclusions depend on it.
- Based: passes — The paper gives a reason why it holds.
Probably not a substantial claim. It may be too vague to check against evidence.
The paper relies on this without support.
Colonization determines whose values and knowledges are privileged.
“Colonization also determines whose values and knowledges are privileged.”
The paper relies on this without support.
There are many different species of tobacco plants indigenous to Turtle Island, including Nicotiana rustica and Nicotiana tabacum.
“There are many different species of tobacco plants indigenous to Turtle Island, including Nicotiana rustica and Nicotiana tabacum .”
The paper relies on this without support.
Before colonization, many Indigenous peoples used tobacco as a sacred medicinal plant in ceremonial and cultural practices, often to promote wellness for individuals and communities.
“Before colonization, many Indigenous peoples used tobacco as a sacred medicinal plant in ceremonial and cultural practices, often to promote wellness for individuals and communities.”
The paper relies on this without support.
Some Indigenous peoples do not use tobacco, but use different plants such as red willow, which they refer to as 'ceremonial tobacco,' 'sacred tobacco,' 'traditional tobacco,' or 'natural tobacco.'
“Some Indigenous peoples do not use tobacco, but different types of plants, such as red willow (the Lakota's Ca ŋ sasa and the Anishinaabe's Asemaa). Even though red willow is not a Nicotiana species plant, these tribes refer to these plants as 'ceremonial tobacco,' 'sacred tobacco,' 'traditional tobacco,' or 'natural tobacco.'”
The paper relies on this without support.
European settlers industrialized and modified tobacco, developing it as a plantation crop.
“Years later, European settlers continued this pattern of colonization by industrializing and modifying tobacco-developing the tobacco plant as a plantation crop.”
The paper relies on this without support.
Subsequent mass production and distribution of adulterated tobacco in cigarettes resulted in commercial tobacco products being available in large quantities and low-cost, readily accessible forms.
“Subsequent mass production and distribution of adulterated tobacco, in the form of cigarettes, have resulted in commercial tobacco products being available in large quantities and low-cost, readily accessible forms.”
The paper relies on this without support.
The widespread availability of commercial tobacco products, historical restrictions on ceremonial tobacco products, tobacco industry's exploitation of tribal sovereignty through tax-exempt tribal cigarette sales and heavy promotion at tribal enterprises, and targeted marketing to Indigenous peoples have enabled frequent use and dependence among Indigenous communities, with serious effects on user’
“The widespread availability of commercial tobacco products, the historical restrictions on ceremonial tobacco products, the tobacco industry's exploitation of tribal sovereignty through tax-exempt tribal cigarette sales and heavy promotion at tribal enterprises, and the Industry's targeted marketing of commercial tobacco products to Indigenous peoples have enabled frequent use and dependence among”
The paper relies on this without support.
These forms of colonization tactics have complicated public health efforts aimed at reducing harms of commercial tobacco in Indigenous communities.
“These forms of colonization tactics have complicated public health efforts aimed at reducing harms of commercial tobacco in Indigenous communities.”
The paper relies on this without support.
Globally, the language used in public health to discuss commercial tobacco prevention and control is overwhelmingly deficit-based.
“Globally, the language used in public health to discuss commercial tobacco prevention and control is overwhelmingly deficit-based.”
The paper relies on this without support.
Regulatory efforts internationally aim to reduce access and availability of commercial tobacco products by increasing costs, restricting sales to specific persons and places, and excluding tobacco use in some places.
“Regulatory efforts internationally aim to reduce the access and availability of commercial tobacco products by increasing costs (eg, taxes), while restricting sales to specific persons (eg, underage sales) and in designated places (eg, pharmacies).”
The paper relies on this without support.
Some health experts have called for a 'tobacco endgame,' or the eradication of all tobacco products.
“Some health experts have called for a 'tobacco endgame,' or the eradication of all tobacco products.”
The paper relies on this without support.
Indigenous peoples remain steadfastly resistant and resilient in the face of colonization and its many forms.
“Indigenous peoples remain steadfastly resistant and resilient in the face of colonization and its many forms”
Citations
Cites
Colonisation, racism and indigenous health
Paradies, Y. (2016) · Journal of Population Research · doi:10.1007/s12546-016-9159-y · Cited by 602
The Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
O’Sullivan, D. (2020) · ANU Press eBooks · doi:10.22459/waahts.2020.01 · Cited by 135
Henson, M., Sabo, S., Trujillo, A., & Teufel-Shone, N. (2017) · The Journal of Primary Prevention · doi:10.1007/s10935-016-0455-2 · Cited by 116
Tobacco use by Native North Americans: sacred smoke and silent killer
(2001) · Choice Reviews Online · doi:10.5860/choice.39-1029 · Cited by 113
Rasmus, S. M., Trickett, E., Charles, B., John, S., & Allen, J. (2019) · Cultural Diversity & Ethnic Minority Psychology · doi:10.1037/cdp0000243 · Cited by 72
Disparities in smoking-related mortality among American Indians/Alaska Natives
Mowery, P. D., Dube, S. R., Thorne, S. L., Garrett, B. E., Homa, D. M., & Nez Henderson, P. (2015) · American Journal of Preventive Medicine · doi:10.1016/j.amepre.2015.05.002 · Cited by 56
Tobacco industry misappropriation of American Indian culture and traditional tobacco
D’Silva, J., O’Gara, E., & Villaluz, N. T. (2018) · Tobacco Control · doi:10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2017-053950 · Cited by 54
Self-citationBoudreau, G., Hernandez, C., Hoffer, D., Preuss, K. S., Tibbetts-Barto, L., Villaluz, N. T., & Scott, S. (2016) · American Journal of Public Health · doi:10.2105/ajph.2016.303125 · Cited by 39
Unger, J. B., Soto, C., & Baezconde-Garbanati, L. (2006) · Journal of Adolescent Health · doi:10.1016/j.jadohealth.2005.02.002 · Cited by 37
Self-citationDisparities in current cigarette smoking among US adults, 2002–2016
Agaku, I. T., Odani, S., Okuyemi, K. S., & Armour, B. (2019) · Tobacco Control · doi:10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2019-054948 · Cited by 31
Research works printed but not linked: 2
- Final report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, 2015, Volume One, Summary: Honouring the Truth, Reconciling for the Future
- Inouye, 1992, Discrimination and Native American religious rights, UWLA L Rev, 23, 13
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Self-citationEthical publishing in ‘Indigenous’ contexts
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Self-citationEradication of commercial tobacco related disease and death
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Self-citation
Metadata
- Authors
- Nez Henderson, P., Lee, J. P., Soto, C., O′Leary, R., Rutan, E., D′Silva, J., Waa, A., Henderson, Z. P., Nez, S. S., & Maddox, R.
- Affiliations
- Navajo Nation (Diné), Rapid City, SD, USA
- Pacific Institute For Research and Evaluation (US)
- University of Southern California (US)
- Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa, Timber Lake, SD, USA
- Black Hills Center for American Indian Health (US)
- ClearWay Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- University of Otago (NZ)
- Australian National University (AU)
- Venue
- Nicotine & Tobacco Research
- Publisher
- Oxford University Press (OUP)
- Published
- 2021-09-13
- Volume
- 24
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 289-291
- ISSN
- 1462-2203 (ISSN-L)
- 1469-994X
- PMC
- PMC8807169
- OpenAlex
- W3201474739
- Semantic Scholar
- 46c56c619baa6b2b5a540f1eaf636897a4a22e04
- Cited by
- 49
- References
- 22
- Citations by year
- 2026: 16 · 2025: 12 · 2024: 10 · 2023: 3 · 2022: 5 · 2021: 2
- FWCI
- 2.45
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- green
- pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Licence
- academic.oup.com/journals/pages/open_access/funder_policies/chorus/standard_publication_model (vor)
- Locations
- Nicotine & Tobacco Research (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- PubMed Central (publishedVersion)
- ANU Open Research (Australian National University) (submittedVersion)
- Funders
- National Institutes of Health (1R01ES027793-01, 1S06GM123544)
- University of California (T30IR0933)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Health › Indigenous Health, Education, and Rights
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Smoking Behavior and Cessation
- Social Sciences › Anthropology › Indigenous Cultures and History
- Keywords
- decolonization, tobacco, indigenous peoples, colonization, Indigenous health, medicinal plants, UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, tobacco industry, Indigenous sovereignty, Indigenous self-determination, tobacco control, Indigenous health services
- MeSH terms
- Humans, Indians, North American, North America, Tobacco Products, Tobacco Use
About these checks
Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.
A language model drew the claims from the paper on 2026-11-11, under version 3 of the claim definition (model deepseek-v4.1-flash, prompt extract-v3).
A second model labelled each claim on 2026-11-11 (model jev-1.13-20260917, definition revision gold-guideline-v0.2).
Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.
Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.
What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›
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How to cite
Cite CoChat for the checks on this page, and the paper for its own findings.
- This page
- CoChat. (2026). Citation check: Decolonization of Tobacco in Indigenous Communities of Turtle Island (North America). https://app.cochat.ai/papers/10.1093/ntr/ntab180
- The paper
- Nez Henderson, P., Lee, J. P., Soto, C., O′Leary, R., Rutan, E., D′Silva, J., Waa, A., Henderson, Z. P., Nez, S. S., & Maddox, R. (2022). Decolonization of Tobacco in Indigenous Communities of Turtle Island (North America). Nicotine & Tobacco Research. https://doi.org/10.1093/ntr/ntab180
