July 27, 2011 - Minnesota’s American Indians are dying of cancer, especially lung cancer, at a higher rate than any other ethnic group. But taking tobacco out of this community is complicated since this population considers it to be a sacred plant. According to a study by the American Cancer Society, the rates of cancer among American Indians in Minnesota are double that of other American Indians in the country, possibly due to the use of commercial tobacco in their traditional ceremonies and worship. “If you were to ask a Catholic not to use holy water, what kind of reaction would you get from them?” said Herbert Sam, a tribal elder. “That’s the same thing as me telling our people not to use tobacco anymore.” Health organizations are changing their approach with the Indian community, encouraging them to use a traditional—and less dangerous—tobacco blend called kinnikinnick, which is made of tree bark and leaves. Clearway Minnesota, a non-profit organization that funds smoking cessation programs, gave the Mille Lacs tribe a two-year grant that would encourage band members to use kinnikinnick in their ceremonies instead of commercial tobacco.

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