Aboriginal Tobacco Use Strategy

AADAC was given a mandate to develop a framework to address tobacco use among Alberta Aboriginal people living off reserve. A steering committee made up of representatives from the following groups consulted with Aboriginal people and groups from across the province.

• Nechi Training Research and Health Promotion Institute
• Alberta Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
• Health Canada
• AADAC
• Métis Nation of Alberta

Aboriginal groups across Alberta are not the same. They vary in culture, traditions, and spirituality. The traditional and non-traditional use of tobacco also differs among Aboriginal groups and from individual to individual.

• The rate of tobacco use among Aboriginal people in Alberta is more than double the Alberta average.
• The average age of starting to use tobacco is younger among Aboriginal people than among the general population.
• The probability of being exposed to second-hand smoke in Aboriginal communities is higher.
• Pregnant women are more likely to be smokers and to be exposed to second-hand smoke.
• Use of spit tobacco is also more common in Aboriginal communities.