The prevalence of smoking among Indigenous peoples is approximately 2 to 5 times higher than among non-Indigenous Canadians1. In New Brunswick, almost twice as many Indigenous youth (in grades 6 to 12) identify as daily smokers compared to non-Indigenous youth (9% versus 5%)2.
Cessation resources for use of commercial tobacco products and not cessation of traditional or sacred tobacco used by some First Nations, Metis or Inuit people can be found by exploring SVFNB’s Quit Smoking – Indigenous webpage. The SVFNB is committed to promoting New Brunswick’s Tobacco-Free Living Strategy which aims to address groups with higher than average use rates by promoting education on prevention and cessation supports.
To learn more about leading practices in First Nations, Inuit and/or Métis smoking cessation resources click here. These resources serve to provide the following:
- Alignment of existing smoking cessation programs with Canadian evidence-based guidelines
- Information about culturally appropriate smoking cessation services, including quitlines and strategies implemented by province and territory
- Smoking cessation programs developed by, with and for First Nations, Inuit and Métis by province and territory
The SVFNB is open to partnering with other groups or organizations that have similar priorities around prevention and cessation for Indigenous populations.