Tribal Tobacco Prevention Program
The commercial tobacco industry pushes dangerous products that addict Native youth and harm tribes and communities. We are here to help our people quit — while honoring the sacred role of traditional tobacco.
Because Tribal Nations are not subject to state and local smoke-free laws, the commercial tobacco industry has identified sovereign communities as untapped and unprotected opportunities to maximize their profits. The industry advertises candy-flavored products to hook youth. Nearly all adults who are addicted to commercial tobacco started smoking before they were 18.
The tobacco industry markets hard in some communities — going after people who have faced racism and other discrimination, people earning lower incomes, and people who are stressed or struggling. It's time for these racist and discriminatory practices to end.
Traditional vs. Commercial Tobacco
For many Tribal communities, traditional tobacco is a sacred plant used for healing, prayer, and celebration. The commercial tobacco industry harms tribes and Native communities in Oregon — it steals cultural imagery and misrepresents sacred traditions to sell its products. In Oregon, 30% of American Indians smoke compared to 18% of non-Hispanic whites.
*Facts from smokefreeoregon.com
Protecting Our People
Yellowhawk's Tribal Tobacco Prevention Program supports community members who want to quit commercial tobacco, and works to keep candy-flavored products and predatory marketing out of our community.
Honor tradition. Refuse commercial tobacco.
Call the Native Quit Line
The Native Quit Line is a free collaboration between Oregon Tribal communities, the Oregon Health Authority, and the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board.
1.800.QUIT.NOW (press 7)