Sacred Pipe Tobacco-Use Prevention Education (TUPE) Program

SACRED PIPE TOBACCO-USE PREVENTION EDUCATION (TUPE) PROGRAM

In 2012, SCAIR was one of five American Indian Education Centers in California to be awarded funding for a TUPE Program. SCAIR’s Sacred Pipe TUPE Program is geared towards teenagers, ages 13-18.

Tupe

The Sacred Pipe TUPE Program provides fact-based, research-validated prevention education and smoking cessation services. The program also specifically focuses on messaging regarding the differences between traditional and ceremonial Native tobacco-use versus commercial tobacco-use.

Teens who participate in the program will learn about how commercial tobacco affects health, how to make healthy choices and address peer pressure, tobacco-use in traditional ceremonies, and overall health and wellness.

Each year culminates with a Health and Wellness Gathering of the Native Americans (GONA), which includes special guests, speakers, informational tables and a “Breathe Easy” Walk/Run.

For more information about the Sacred Pipe TUPE Program, please contact Julie DePhilippis, Youth Coordinator or Kathy Willcuts, Cultural Educator at 619-328-0676, ext. 216. 

Follow our Sacred Pipe TUPE Program Blog by clicking here.