Tobacco (Ahsayma)

Tobacco is a gift from the Creator. It is used by our people from the cradle to the grave. An Anishinaabe is encouraged to carry tobacco with him or her at all times.

Tobacco is often offered in the morning and evening to give thanks for the day and to ask for special help before anything is harvested, like sap, wild rice, berries, medicine, and game.

Tobacco is present at most Ojibwe ceremonies. It is offered to the thunderbeings during a storm, and protection and safety are prayed for. It is given to other people when asking for knowledge or favors. For example, tobacco is given to a namer before a baby is named.

Tobacco is also offered before a legend is told and before a trip is taken. People who have died are given tobacco to take with them on their journey.

There are several ways tobacco can be used. It can be smoked in a pipe. It can also be put in a fire, or put in the water, or at special places, like a special rock, waterfall, tree or on a clean place on the ground.

It is a gift that is not to be abused.

Written By:
Jim Clark, Mille Lacs Band Elder