BACKGROUND:
Despite national declines in commercial tobacco use, prevalence remains disproportionately high among First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples in Canada, reflecting the enduring impacts of colonization, systemic inequities, and targeted tobacco industry marketing [1]. Evidence consistently demonstrates that equity-oriented, community-led interventions are the most effective in addressing this disparity and advancing health outcomes. This abstract describes the redevelopment of a culturally grounded, school-based tobacco education initiative in northern Saskatchewan. In 2020, the Northern Saskatchewan Breathe Easy Tobacco Control Strategy—implemented by the Northern Inter-Tribal Health Authority and its partnership—collaborated with a local Indigenous teacher to transform an existing Youth Tobacco Workshop into curriculum-linked, classroom-ready lesson plans. Educational units were developed for kindergarten through Grade 3, accompanied by age-appropriate learning materials and culturally relevant resources, including Jaycee and Justin and Sacred Tobacco [2].

METHODS:
Program development followed a community-based, participatory approach. A needs assessment was conducted using surveys and focus groups to examine local cultural contexts, historical influences, and perceptions of tobacco use. Curriculum development was led collaboratively by educators, Elders, and community members to ensure cultural relevance, community ownership, and alignment with Indigenous values. The curriculum integrates traditional teachings, storytelling, and interactive learning with contemporary health education. Key content areas include distinctions between ceremonial and commercial tobacco, the impacts of colonization on tobacco practices, and the role of community responsibility in supporting wellness. An embedded evaluation framework incorporated surveys and facilitated discussions to assess changes in knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours related to commercial tobacco use.

CONCLUSIONS:
Consistent with existing literature [3,4], this initiative demonstrates the importance of culturally tailored, Indigenous-led approaches that acknowledge historical and social contexts in tobacco prevention efforts. Such approaches are essential to advancing health equity and supporting sustainable, community-driven health promotion strategies.