The company that used Native American symbols to sell tobacco had no permission to do so, and had no Native American owners or employees.  They are misusing Native culture to prey on young people.  Read on for other ways in which the tobacco industry targets Native People (excerpt from TobaccoFree California): 

Some American Indian traditional use of tobacco is for ceremonial or religious reasons, which creates an important distinction between traditional and commercial use. The tobacco industry preys on these traditions, funding powwows and promoting brands like Natural American Spirit.  They appropriate American Indian cultures to sell their deadly products, not to show meaningful support for American Indian communities.

Big Tobacco also sees American Indian-owned casinos as an avenue to distribute their products.  The Industry funds these businesses in exchange for carrying an endless supply of cigarettes, preying on concerns that allowing indoor smoking is key to their casino’s success,3 despite evidence that a smoke-free environment would actually increase patronage.4

This kind of cultural exploitation contributes to American Indian communities having the highest rate of smoking prevalence in California, and the only group where smoking is on the rise.5 Nearly one in three native adults in California smoke.  However, tobacco’s harm goes beyond those that use it – native populations also report more exposure to secondhand smoke at home.6

It’s time to break Big Tobacco’s grip on American Indian communities. For more information, visit: 

https://tobaccofreeca.com/story-of-inequity/american-indian/ 

Also see our  Native American Cessation web page: