An anti-smoking campaign in California is seeking to reduce high rates of smoking among Natives in the state.

According to a 2001 survey, 30 percent of California Natives use tobacco. That was the highest rate among all ethnic and racial groups in the state.

The state-funded American Indian Tobacco Education Network hopes to change the situation. But they must craft a message to respect tribal traditions that treat tobacco as a sacred substance.

It's a message that most anti-smoking campaigns in the past have ignored. Native health advocates say they face an uphill battle but hope to convince Native smokers of the dangers of tobacco abuse.

Get the Story:
Mixed Smoke Signals (The Los Angeles Times 11/18)
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