KTSC Tobacco Warriors is a group of young adults collaborating through social media to share educational content that supports the learning about the use of sacred tobacco within their communities and encourages connection to local Elders and Knowledge Teachers, where possible.
The Tobacco Warriors are from each of the three treaty areas within Alberta and gather both virtually and in-person to connect, share, and experience sacred tobacco ceremonies and teachings with guiding Knowledge Teachers and Elders. As role models and change makers, the Warriors have a key role to play in engaging and encouraging youth in their community to learn about the important role sacred tobacco has in their culture and to stay commercial tobacco free.
The Tobacco Warriors are from each of the three treaty areas within Alberta and gather both virtually and in-person to connect, share, and experience sacred tobacco ceremonies and teachings with guiding Knowledge Teachers and Elders. As role models and change makers, the Warriors have a key role to play in engaging and encouraging youth in their community to learn about the important role sacred tobacco has in their culture and to stay commercial tobacco free.
In the fall of 2023, 5 young adults, representing all 3 Treaty areas, came together to become messengers of this work, using social media to engage their communities and peers on the important role of Sacred Tobacco. They have named themselves the Tobacco Warriors and their energy and passion for Sacred Tobacco cultural understanding and revitalization is driving the work forward which will help prevent and reduce commercial tobacco and help build resilience among First Nations youth.
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VISION
Empowered and healthy Indigenous communities, connected through culture and through emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. MISSION To support cultural connectedness and healing through Sacred Tobacco, to improve health outcomes in Indigenous communities. PROJECT PURPOSE Empowering Elders and Knowledge Teachers to engage and support Indigenous youth in commercial tobacco use and nicotine vaping prevention, through the revitalization of Sacred Tobacco cultural knowledge, community capacity building and community-driven setting change. |
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Meet Our Warriors
KLEVLIN CUTKNIFEMy name's Klevlin Cutknife, I’m a Student Family Support Worker at the schools on my reservation (Maskwacis, AB). I am also a huge advocate for Indigenous youth and I promote holistic health & 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 KTSC Tobacco Warrior, so I can play a part in removing the usage of commercial tobacco within our communities.
I am from the Treaty 6 Territories & more specifically Samson Cree Nation (Maskwacis). |
Vanessa Kyme-GilbertAbawashded, Vanessa Migebi. Good day, My name is Vanessa Kyme-Gilbert, I am 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 am very honored to be a Tobacco Warrior and to work with my fellow colleagues to spread awareness regarding Keep Tobacco Sacred. As a Tobacco Warrior with KTS, 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 Alberta Health Services to promote healthy lifestyles and decommercialize the use of tobacco.
I am from Treaty 6 Territories the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation, Alberta (Waka Mne) |
Raquel HealyOki 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 am currently enrolled at Red Crow College. 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 am very proud to be a part of KTSC. I am eager as a Tobacco Warrior to spread awareness regarding commercial tobacco and its harm within our communities.
Blood Reserve, Alberta |
Dillon StrongHello, 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 Coach. I specialize in interpersonal skills, physical health and mental well-being. I am honored and proud to be a Tobacco Warrior for KTSC. Being able to not only promote health and wellness but to also educate and support my traditional culture is a blessing.
Sucker Creek First Nation Treaty 8 |
Ethan YELLOW OLD WOMANMy 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, and helping our community, as well as being involved in our various sports 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", it helps bring us closer to our culture and people.
Ethan Yellow Old Woman Holy Thunder Siksika Nation |
