SWANTON, Vt. (WCAX) – New efforts by Vermont’s Abenaki Nation aim to tackle tobacco addiction.

The Department of Health just awarded nearly $800,000 in grants to curb tobacco use.

An Indigenous group in Swanton is using their funds to teach their youngest members cultural uses of the plant.

“Tobacco is sacred to our people,” said Chief Brenda Gagne of the Abenaki Nation of Missisquoi.

The smell of tobacco wafts through Chief Brenda Gagne’s earliest memories. Like generations of Abenaki, her tribe uses the leaves for peace offerings, as medicine, and as gifts.

“It wasn’t meant to be smoked, like European tradition does. It was more of ceremonial purposes and traditions,” said Gagne.

But over the years, Gagne has watched tribal members fall into tobacco addiction with the rest of the world. It’s touched members of all ages.

“I hear the younger kids are doing it sooner and younger also,” she said.

Tobacco addiction is a statewide issue. According to the Department of Health, almost a quarter of adults use tobacco products, and vaping rates doubled since 2016.

Gagne is eager to be part of the solution. She and her daughter run tobacco education programs for Swanton youth through the education organization Abenaki Circle of Courage.

“The amazing part is kids if you get them before the third grade, they have memories like a sponge. They just absorb it like there’s no tomorrow,” she said.

Gagne leads a summer program, while her daughter uses art therapy to teach middle and high schoolers about addiction and other issues.

“It’s a universal language. So kids will be able to explore things without even realizing at first, the things that we’re discussing, how important they are because it’s through a creative process,” said Felicia Cota of Circle of Courage.

Gagne says the programming helps kids connect with Abenaki heritage while understanding the dangers of smoking.

Some have even convinced their parents to quit.

“It actually worked into adults also, it’s not just for the youth. So I think bringing that to life a little bit more is going to be crucial,” said Gagne.

A new grant from the Vermont Department of Health will strengthen their work.

Abenaki Circle of Courage just received $60,500 per year over the next two years to keep the education going.

“When I got the grant I was actually beside myself because I didn’t think there was a chance that Indigenous groups would get monies, you know, to be able to do what we do on a normal basis,” said Gagne.

It’s the largest grant they’ve ever received from the state.

Gagne views the support as a step in the right direction, given Vermont’s history of eugenics and displacement of Indigenous people.

“Getting funding from the state of Vermont means they’re still with us and they’re still backing us which is really important for us,” said Gagne.

Other grant recipients are using funds for everything from tobacco prevention to treatment services for pregnant smokers.

Copyright 2024 WCAX. All rights reserved.