Native ties to tobacco run deep

 

(Santa Fe New Mexican) It is believed that in the beginning, tobacco helped Native peoples arrive safely into this world. In many tribal creation stories, tobacco plays an illustrious, elaborate and unparalleled role. Numerous tribes have beliefs that place tobacco in a role of prominence in the genesis of their people.
For tribal peoples across Turtle Island, tobacco is, and has always been, considered the food of the spirits. Like other sacraments, the smoke from tobacco is believed to carry a message of thanks and offering to the Creator. Continued