NATIVE AMERICAN

With 12 federally recognized tribes, Native Americans comprise .7% of Michigan’s population. Tobacco, also called A Sema, is sacred in this community. It is believed to provide spiritual strength, guidance and protection, and is used during prayer, or offered as a sigh of respect. Despite its traditional sacred use, tobacco is commonly abused in the form of cigarettes. Michigan’s 2005 data indicates that the adult smoking rate is 41.2%.

South Eastern Michigan Indians, Inc. (SEMII)

26641 Lawrence

Center Line, MI 48015

Tel: 586-756-1350

Fax: 586-756-1352

Contact:  Euphemia “Sue” Franklin, Executive Director

586-756-1350

Semii1975@yahoo.com

Karen Lloyd, Tobacco Coordinator

586-756-1350

Karen_Lloyd@semii1975.org

Website:www.semii1975.org