“We are descendants of our strongest ancestors. In other words, all of us sitting here, in our DNA and in our blood, there’s a reason we’re still here, because we are descendants of those strongest people that walked away from all the hardships that our people have endured...when you tell our young people that, it puts a different perspective on the way they think.”
The Tobacco Warriors are young adults who use social media to share information and engage their peers about the traditional use of Sacred Tobacco in their communities. They encourage Indigenous youth to connect with local Elders and Knowledge Teachers.
The Tobacco Warriors come from all three treaty areas in Alberta. They meet online and in person to learn, share, and participate in Sacred Tobacco ceremonies with the guidance of Elders and Knowledge Teachers.
As role models, the Warriors work to inspire other young people in their communities to learn about the cultural significance and practice of Sacred Tobacco and the cultural and health harms of commercial tobacco. They also support their peers in preventing and avoiding commercial tobacco use.
Their passion for revitalizing the cultural understanding and practice of Sacred Tobacco is helping prevent and reduce the use of commercial tobacco while building strength and resilience among Indigenous youth.
Hello, my name is Dillon Campiou, a First Nations man from Sucker Creek First Nation found on Treaty 8 territory. I work as a Life Coach from Certified Flourishing Coaching. I specialize in interpersonal skills, physical health and mental well-being.
I’m honoured and proud to be a Tobacco Warrior for the Keep Tobacco Sacred Collaboration. Being able to not only promote health and wellness but also educate and support my traditional culture is a blessing.
Sucker Creek First Nation
Treaty 8
My name is Ethan Yellow Old Woman from the Siksika Nation. My traditional name (Holy Thunder) was passed down to me from my Grandfather. I believe in always doing the best you can no matter the outcome. I enjoy the outdoors, helping our community, and being involved in our various sports and community events.
Tobacco sold in stores is not the same as the tobacco that our people used. As a Blackfoot individual, tobacco is very important to me; I believe in keeping the sacredness in the "Tobacco". This helps bring us closer to our culture and people.
Siksika Nation
Treaty 7
My name's Klevlin Cutknife. I’m a Student Wellness Coach at the schools on my reservation (Maskwacis, AB). I’m also a huge advocate for Indigenous youth, and I promote holistic health and wellness through the sport of basketball.
I’ve always had an interest in video editing, graphic design and content creation, but just recently started taking it more seriously. I’m excited to be a Keep Tobacco Sacred Collaboration Tobacco Warrior, so I can play a part in removing the use of commercial tobacco within our communities.
I’m from the Treaty 6 Territories & more specifically Samson Cree Nation (Maskwacis)
Oki Niisto Ahnakok Yiipo Kakatosii Aaki - Hello My name is Midsummer Star Women (Blackfoot name). My English name is Raquel Healy. I come from the Blood Tribe, located on Treaty 7 territory. I’m currently enrolled at Red Crow College, where I am taking the 2 + 2 Arts and Sciences Diploma.
I hope to expand my studies in social work/psychology to assist others in my community. I’m very proud to be a part of the Keep Tobacco Sacred Collaboraiton. I’m eager, as a Tobacco Warrior, to spread awareness regarding commercial tobacco and its harm within our communities.
Blood Reserve, Alberta
Abawashded, Vanessa Migebi. Good day. My name is Vanessa Kyme-Gilbert, and I’m from Treaty 6 Territories. Currently, I attend school at the University of Alberta, and my goal is to obtain a dual degree in education and Native studies. I’m very honoured to be a Tobacco Warrior and to work with my colleagues to spread awareness regarding Keep Tobacco Sacred.
As a Tobacco Warrior with the Keep Tobacco Sacred Collaboration, I want to positively impact my community by promoting good health practices and improving people’s relationship with tobacco. I look forward to working with the Keep Tobacco Sacred Collaboration to promote healthy lifestyles and decommercialize tobacco use.
I’m from Treaty 6 Territories, the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation, Alberta (Waka Mne)
