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Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this presentation attendees will be able to:
- Identify partnerships that are key to success and sustainability on reservations. Compare cultural use of traditional tobacco vs. abuse of commercial tobacco. Explain importance of American Indian specific media. Identify programs and promising practices that further tobacco control efforts among American Indians.
Audience: Program developers, coordinators or managers that serve American Indian reservations
Key Points:
Implementation of effective tobacco control practices on American Indian reservations can be very challenging. There are many barriers to overcome due to distrust of government agencies, cultural use of tobacco, and generational use of tobacco due to historical trauma. However, building and utilizing relationships in a non-threatening way can pave the way to meaningful and sustainable efforts.
When addressing American Indian communities it is important that the culture is accounted for when planning a program. Through utilizing American Indian specific messaging in resource materials, connectivity to the materials is more likely.
The use of traditional tobacco in ceremonies can be a barrier to messaging that indicates “no tobacco” use is acceptable. In order to not alienate this population completely, respecting the cultural use of tobacco and indicating as such in the messaging is an important piece of the prevention puzzle on American Indian reservations.
Educational Experience: Degree in Social Work; participated in many trainings for tobacco control and have also attended conferences/trainings that are specific to work with American Indian tribes. Have also served the Wind River Reservation for 4 years.
Benefits: Knowing the who's who on the reservation and how the political structure affects policy change is essential to any real success in tobacco control. Learn to maximize efforts and resources by utilizing systems and agencies that are already in place. Will also share ideas for messaging that is appropriate.