First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples

Smoking and Indigenous Peoples

Indigenous Peoples have long used tobacco for traditional purposes. They also use commercial tobacco.

Tobacco Free Nova Scotia addresses commercial tobacco use. We do NOT address ceremonial and spiritual tobacco use. We recognize that many Indigenous Peoples use tobacco as a sacred medicine.

Traditional tobacco use

Many Indigenous Peoples use tobacco for ceremonies and medicinal purposes. Growing and harvesting tobacco for traditional purposes is a sacred act. This history goes back thousands of years.

How to quit using commercial tobacco products

There are quit-smoking programs for Indigenous Peoples. These programs are rooted in Indigenous ways of learning, knowing, healing, and recovery. You may have more success with these programs:

Tobacco Wise – an Aboriginal Tobacco Program

First Nations IT’S TIME Toolkit

Quit-smoking aids

There are 2 classes of products that can help you quit:

nicotine replacement therapies or NRTs
medical quit aids, these do NOT contain nicotine

You don’t need a prescription for NRTs but you do need one for medical quit aids. You can get a prescription from your healthcare provider.

Non-insured Health Benefits (NIHB)

If you are Status First Nation or Inuk recognized by an Inuit land claim organization, you qualify for Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB). That means that you can get your NRT or medication for free if you have a prescription. Contact the NIHB Navigator to find out how:

Call toll free 1-877-667-4007

The NIHB Navigator will give you the most up-to-date information on NIHB. They will also guide you through the steps you need to take to get the medical benefits you need. You can also contact health team members in First Nation community health centres for support and guidance.

Non-Status First Nations and Métis do NOT qualify for NIHB.