Skip to Content

Sacred Tobacco

Close up Headshot of Elder Andre Bear Robe wearing traditional headdress

“The pipe is our Bible. In it, it contains all the sacredness of our spiritual beliefs. All our ceremonies are held in that pipe, spiritually speaking.”

Elder Dr. Andrew Bear Robe

Sacred Tobacco

Natural and unprocessed (Nicotiana rustica)
Burned to carry prayers - rarely inhaled
Used with purpose, as part of ceremony or protocol
Connected to culture
Planted, grown, and harvested with respect
A sacred medicine, used in traditional healing

vs.

Commercial Tobacco

Processed and full of additives and chemicals
Inhaled deeply and repeatedly, due to addiction
Used in ways that cause harm and addiction
Not connected to culture, customs, rituals, or spirituality
Mass produced and sold for profit by the tobacco industry
A commercial product that harms our people and communities

Tobacco is one of the four sacred medicines given to us by the Creator (along with sweetgrass, sage, and cedar).

Unlike commercial tobacco, Sacred Tobacco is used in ceremonies and prayers to connect with the Creator and the natural world. Sacred Tobacco can be offered in gratitude, to seek guidance, and to show respect. It is a sacred plant that plays a vital role in healing practices and community gatherings.

By embracing the traditional use of Sacred Tobacco, we honor the wisdom of our ancestors. Learning about its proper use helps preserve our heritage and strengthens the bonds within our communities.

Here are some ways to learn more about the practices, ceremonies, and cultural uses of Sacred Tobacco:

Engage

Engage with Elders and Knowledge Teachers in your community. Listen to their stories and teachings on Sacred Tobacco, or watch video-based teachings here: Elder Voices.

Take Part

Take part in ceremonies involving Sacred Tobacco, like pipe ceremonies, smudging, and other rituals.

Learn

Learn about traditional ways of planting, growing, and harvesting Sacred Tobacco. To get started, watch the video to find out how Sacred Tobacco is harvested in Kainai Nation, on Treaty 7 territory in Southern Alberta.

Explore

Explore ways to grow tobacco in its natural form (Nicotina rustica), in your home or community garden. For information, use our Sacred Tobacco Community Toolkit as well as teachings and guidance from local Elders and Knowledge Keepers.
Rows of tobacco plants growing in a fieldClose up of individual tobacco plant growing in fieldHarvested tobacco plant bundles hanging by their stalks in an open sided shed

Healing Practices and Community Gatherings

Sacred Tobacco is used to offer gratitude, seek guidance, and show respect. This sacred plant plays a vital role in healing practices and community gatherings.

Bundle of freshly harvested tobacco plants hanging from their stalks in preparation for drying
Silhouette of traditional Tipis in front of colorful sunset

Honouring the Wisdom of Our Ancestors

By embracing the traditional use of Sacred Tobacco, we honor the wisdom of our ancestors. Learning about its proper use helps preserve our heritage and strengthens the bonds within our communities.

Learn and Share

Engage with Elders and Knowledge Teachers to understand the use of Sacred Tobacco.
Attendees of Keep Tobacco Sacred conference seated in conference room. Three rows of people with Elders in front and Tobacco warriors in back.
Tobacco Warrior Ethan Yellow Old Woman speaking to audience in a conference room.

Join the Journey

We invite you to learn more about Sacred Tobacco. Participate in ceremonies, listen to stories, and become part of a journey that enriches your spirit and grows resilience.