How has the story of tobacco changed over time?
Liling: Tobacco companies took the medicinal plant and turned it into a poison. They changed the story and made profit by it when they made it about manipulation and death. We all have been subjected to their version of tobacco’s story through glossy ads and promotions. Their characters are coyotes and ravens; they are the likes of Joe Camel and the Marlboro Man. The story we have now tells us that American Indians have the highest rates of smoking among all races in this country. We are now looking at the story of tobacco to aide us in making changes. We are encouraging tribes and Indian people to revisit their ancient tobacco stories and find guidance that will help improve their health. It is appropriate that Native people re-claim the story of tobacco and are involved in tobacco prevention. How do you use storytelling in your work? Scott: In North Carolina, we have partnered with the Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Program ona project called the Community Change Chronicles. The
