Kahtou 0004
March 2001

VANCOUVER - Canada's first strategy to help Aboriginal people in BC continue to develop community based solutions to tobacco addiction was released by Children and Families Minister Edward John on behalf of Health Minister Corky Evans.

"The Aboriginal tobacco strategy is a community-based, holistic tobacco reduction strategy arising from the experience and wisdom of Aboriginal people themselves," said John. "It will help create a social climate that discourages tobacco misuse while respecting traditional ceremonial uses of tobacco."

The strategy, outlined in a paper called Honouring Our Health, is aimed at breaking down the acceptance of tobacco use within Aboriginal communities. It blends Aboriginal traditions with best practices for preventing people from starting to use tobacco, and for helping others to quit. It will mobilise Aboriginal leadership and volunteers, integrate tobacco reduction activities with sporting and cultural events and help Aboriginal communities deliver culturally relevant tobacco reduction programs.

"The number of Aboriginal teenagers and adults who smoke is more than double the provincial average," said John. "Recent studies show that Aboriginal children start smoking at nine years of age - much younger than non-Aboriginal youth.

"Clearly, tobacco addiction among Aboriginal people s a health problem of epidemic proportion that must be addressed now."

The Ministry of Health established the Aboriginal tobacco working group in 1999 to make sure Aboriginal people lead the development of culturally appropriate ways to reduce tobacco use within their communities. Last year, at the group's recommendation, 28 Aboriginal organisations throughout BC received funding for pilot demonstration projects. These projects helped from the basis for the Aboriginal tobacco strategy. This fiscal year $328,000 has been allocated to support Aboriginal tobacco reduction efforts; and increase of 9.3 per cent over last year.

This year, the working group has coordinated the Honour Your Health Challenge. The challenge is designed to create enthusiasm and lay the groundwork in Aboriginal communities for tobacco reduction activities. It will provide motivational training to community volunteers who will challenge community members to quit using commercial tobacco. Successful quitters will be eligible for prizes solicited from sponsors.

"Aboriginal people know the best ways to motivate community members to reduce tobacco use, or better yet, to quit altogether," said John. "By supporting their choices and strengthening their community resources, we can help Aboriginal people change attitudes about smoking that will reduce tobacco use and improve health."