Nearly half of youth in BC aged 15-24 have tried vaping. Both commercial tobacco and vape products harm health, especially for young brains that continue to develop until the age of about 25. Vape products are also often a dangerous gateway to cigarette smoking.
The commercial tobacco industry targets vaping to youth with appealing flavors, bright designs and social media, making addiction harder to break.
Because of this, it's crucial for Nations, communities, Elders, friends and loved ones to unite in open conversation and support to ensure no young person or any individual feels alone in their journey toward wellness.
To support these efforts, we are excited to launch Roots over Clouds: Escaping the Vape—a new animated video that explores the harms of vaping, industry tricks, nicotine risks and the power of sacred tobacco and connection.
Roots Over Clouds: Escaping the Vape
Narrated by Elder Gerry
This video holds a very special place in our hearts because it features the incredibly powerful voice of Elder Gerry also known as Gerry Oleman and Saa Hiil Thut. Elder Gerry is a member of the St'at'imc Nation from Tsal'alh (Shalalth, BC) and has been involved as a change agent for First Nations communities and agencies since 1976.
Elder Gerry poured his own stories and lived experience with smoking cigarettes into his message, including where a young person expressed feeling like they didn't have an Elder in their life.
That's why, with this video and with Elder Gerry's story and the impacts of vaping, we hold the sincere hope that every young person watching will feel a genuine connection with him. He wants them to truly understand, that they are never alone.
As Elder Gerry so powerfully reminds us, drawing from the wisdom of his own journey and the love for people:
"You don't have to do this alone. I am with you. We are with you. You come from a beautiful people."
More information and support
Building a healthier future starts with us. We encourage open conversations with young people and communities about vaping's risks and industry tactics. Listen to their questions, share your experiences and help them make informed choices.
For more information on the harms of vaping or to learn more about support services or traditional tobacco please visit: fnha.ca/respectingtobacco.
