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Lakota Elders’ Views on Traditional Versus Commercial/Addictive Tobacco Use; Oral History Depicting a Fundamental Distinction

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Abstract

This qualitative study is intended to elucidate Lakota elders’ views on traditional tobacco and commercial/addictive tobacco use, capturing the oral history that depict the cultural protocol regarding traditional tobacco, called Cansasa. Commercial tobacco use has significantly impacted the Northern Plains Indians. National surveillance systems report that tobacco use is more prevalent among American Indian/Alaska Natives than any other population, and is notably higher than the national average. Lung cancer among Native Americans is highest in the Northern Plains and Alaska, where smoking prevalence is also the highest, and smoking is responsible for nearly 90 % of all lung cancer cases. Yet, the use of traditional tobacco is largely ignored by surveillance and seems to have a distinct, positive role. Using a community-based participatory research approach, semi-structured interviews, and qualitative analysis tools, the research team, including 2 Lakota tribe elders, Lakota speaking tribal college students, and university faculty, sought to discern tribal elders’ distinctions between traditional and the addictive commercial tobacco. The team interviewed thirty Lakota elders, transcribed the interviews and field notes, and analyzed them using immersion/crystallization organizing framework. The research design engaged the Lakota tribal community in all stages, from planning to publication. Analysis revealed a clear distinction between traditional and commercial tobacco: tribal elders conveyed strong positive messages connected to traditional tobacco use (i.e., spirituality, respect, health and wellness, humility, and thoughtfulness) versus strong negative messages linked to addictive tobacco (i.e., crime, loss of control and self-esteem, lack of respect to self and others, sickness and death). These messages, along with stories in the Lakota language that were told and recorded during the interviews, can guide new ways to address addictive tobacco prevention in this community, to enhance cultural pride, and to serve as a cross-generation bridge regarding tobacco use.

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Acknowledgments

We thank the following individuals for their work on this manuscript: Jerry Yellow Hawk D.D., served as a language consultant on this grant. Dr. Yellow Hawk graduated from Brainerd Bible School in 1960 and received a Doctor of Divinity degree from Bartlesville Wesleyan College in 1994. Dr. Yellow Hawk has held the position of District Superintendent of the Native American District of the Wesleyan Church, and has served as a pastor for 28 years. The dedicated Interviewers: Wamblee Looking Horse, Eileen Ghost Bear, Candice Brings Plenty, and Pierette Rave. Other project staff: Sierra Gerlach, Trivia Afraid of Lighting. This project was supported by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services—LB506 grant, 07/01/08—06/30/09 #35853.

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Correspondence to R. Margalit.

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Margalit, R., Watanabe-Galloway, S., Kennedy, F. et al. Lakota Elders’ Views on Traditional Versus Commercial/Addictive Tobacco Use; Oral History Depicting a Fundamental Distinction. J Community Health 38, 538–545 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10900-012-9648-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10900-012-9648-7

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