Join us for the National Tribal Tobacco Conference in May

MINNEAPOLIS, MN -- The Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota and the American Indian Cancer Foundation (AICAF) are happy to announce the National Tribal Tobacco Conference will take place in person May 16-17, 2022 at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. There will be a hybrid option for those unable to attend in person. 

Support is provided by a grant from the National Institutes of Health and from the American Indian Cancer Foundation, Masonic Cancer Center, the Forster Family Chair and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation in Cancer Prevention. 

The conference will address the traditional uses of tobacco and commercial tobacco impact in American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities across the United States. It is also a way for Natives representing different tribal nations and urban areas across the country to gather together to address how commercial tobacco impacts Indigenous people. Lung cancer is the leading cause of death for Native people, and our people smoke commercial tobacco at higher rates than any other racial/ethnic group. 

This event will expand on the virtual Mini Forum held in October where keynote speaker Lori New Breast (Blackfeet) shared her vision for the future of dismantling commercial tobacco use. This conference will also provide an opportunity to discuss the importance and healing nature of traditional tobacco in our communities. It will be a space for Natives of all backgrounds to collaborate and network on the work being done to keep tobacco sacred and to stop the use of commercial tobacco in Indian Country. 

Information about registration, agenda, and speakers will be provided in the coming weeks. Be sure to join the mailing list for all the latest updates. Learn more at nttc.umn.edu. 

About the Masonic Cancer Center

The Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, is the Twin Cities’ only Comprehensive Cancer Center, designated ‘Outstanding’ by the National Cancer Institute. As Minnesota’s Cancer Center, we have served the entire state for more than 25 years. Our researchers, educators, and care providers have worked to discover the causes, prevention, detection, and treatment of cancer and cancer-related diseases. Learn more at cancer.umn.edu

About the American Indian Cancer Foundation

AICAF is a national Native-led and Native-governed nonprofit organization established to address the tremendous cancer burdens faced by Native people. AICAF strives to be a partner trusted by tribes and organizations and is working toward effective and sustainable cancer solutions based on cultural teachings and wisdom. Learn more at americanindiancancer.org.