Information on Tobacco Use Among First Nations and Inuit

Smoking is a major public health issue and a leading cause of premature death affecting smokers and non-smokers in Canada.

Tobacco-related illnesses and diseases are significant issues in First Nations and Inuit communities, where smoking rates are more than double the rate for the general Canadian population.

Traditional and Non-Traditional Use of Tobacco Among First Nations

For many First Nations, tobacco has been used traditionally in ceremonies, rituals, and prayer for thousands of years.

While tobacco is a sacred plant among First Nations, the misuse of tobacco (e.g., cigarette smoking) is addictive and harmful. First Nations elders maintain that misuse of tobacco is disrespectful of the spiritual, medicinal, and traditional use of tobacco.

The misuse of tobacco or the use of tobacco in a non-traditional way (e.g., smoking cigarettes, chewing tobacco or snuff, smoking non-traditional tobacco in non-sacred pipes or smoking cigars), is dangerous and harmful.

Some Facts on Smoking Rates Among First Nations and Inuit

The 2002-03 First Nations Regional Health Survey and the 1999 Aboriginal Peoples Survey report the following facts on smoking rates in First Nations and Inuit communities, respectively:

• 58% of on-reserve First Nations currently smoke;
• 66% of Inuit currently smoke; and
• Smoking rates are highest among First Nations and Inuit youth ages 15-24.

Want Help to Stop Smoking?

There are many ways to quit smoking. Many people need help and there are a number of resources available to help people quit smoking. The following information provides you with useful tips on how to get started.

Nicotine replacement therapy and cessation support systems can assist you in your efforts to reduce or break the habit of smoking.

Physical activity has the potential to be a healthy and enjoyable alternative to smoking:

• Physical activity can help buffer the effects of stress anxiety and depression.
• Regular physical activity is essential to maintain a healthy weight.
• Physical activity can help you diminish the symptoms of quitting smoking.

Research shows that an opposite relationship exists between physical activity and smoking. Physically active children and youth are less likely to be smoking.

Encourage the community to honour individuals who quit smoking!

Here are some useful tips to access support to assist with the quitting process:

1. Community-based cessation programs or counseling services
   Contact your health care provider or nearest community health unit to locate available quit smoking counseling/support programs in your area.
2. Self-help materials and manuals or unaided attempts to quit
3. Toll-free telephone quit-smoking lines
   Quit-lines offer support from trained cessation specialists to help smokers quit, free of charge. They provide support for family and friends who want to help a smoker quit and you can order self-help materials as well. Here is a list of the 10 federally and provincially funded quit-smoking lines available across Canada:
   
   Newfoundland and Labrador residents: 1-800-363-5864
   Nova Scotia residents: 1-877-513-5333
   New Brunswick residents: 1-877-513-5333
   Prince Edward Island residents: 1-888-818-6300
   Quebec residents: 1-866-527-7383
   Ontario residents: 1-877-513-5333
   Saskatchewan residents: 1-877-513-5333
   Manitoba residents: 1-877-513-5333
   Alberta residents: 1-866-332-2322
   British Columbia residents: 1-877-455-2233
   Yukon residents: 1-800-661-0408 (ext. 8393)
   Nunavut residents: 1-866-877-3845
   Northwest Territories residents: please contact your local Health Unit
4. Nicotine replacements and medications for quitting smoking include the following:
   • nicotine patch;
   • nicotine chewing pieces (gum);
   • bupropion (an antidepressant to help people with nicotine withdrawal);
   • nicotine inhalers; and
   • nicotine nasal spray
5. Quit by Email
   Health Canada's free, quit-smoking e-Quit program will support you through the process of quitting, one day at a time. By subscribing for one month, they will send you a new e-mail each day for the next 30 days. e-Quit will prepare you for your quit date, 11 days from your first e-mail. The messages will support you through the entire quitting process. They will help you on your way to a better, healthier, tobacco-free life.
   
6. Internet QuitNet programs
   Internet quit smoking programs provide interactive, web-based support services to individuals who want to quit smoking and may desire support through the Internet. Users may browse the site at www.quitnet.com set for information about quitting or register to gain access to QuitNet’s set of tailored support features.

For more information and support to help you quit, please visit Health Canada’s website www.gosmokefree.ca. You can also call 1-800-O-Canada to get a free copy of the booklet On the Road to Quitting: A guide to becoming a non-smoker.