The Colonization of Tobacco
Religious Crime Codes of 1883
This code prohibited Native Americans religious ceremonies and practices, such as dances, our sacred ceremonies and medicines, under penalty of imprisonment and other punishments.
The American Indian Religious Freedom Act of 1978
This Act that established national policy to protect and preserve for Native Americans their inherent right of freedom to believe, express, and exercise their traditional religions, including the rights of access to religious sites, use and possession of sacred objects, and freedom to worship through traditional ceremonies and rites.
“Our gift from the Creator was traditional tobacco.”
Suzanne Nash
Proclamation: Traditional Sacred Tobacco
Suzanne Nash petitioned the Governor’s office to recognize August 11, 2023 as Traditional Sacred Tobacco Day.
That date is the 45th anniversary of the American Indian Religious Freedom act, which repealed the 1883 federal prohibition on using traditional sacred tobacco.
We are so proud to celebrate Traditional Sacred Tobacco Day.
