Native Cigarettes Canada is a unique venture to foster economic growth within First Nations communities while promoting the sale of legitimate smoking and tobacco products. The company was founded on the principle of fostering self-sufficiency and excellence by providing opportunities for economic growth that are consistent with the values and standards of the community.

The emergence of this new market in indigenous cigarettes has been fuelled by a number of factors, including differences in pricing and regulation. Firstly, the prices of indigenous cigarette brands tend to be lower than commercial cigarette brands because they are manufactured on First Nations reserves and therefore do not include the federal and provincial taxes that are typically levied on other tobacco products (e.g., Canadian Cancer Society, 2017).

In addition to the lower price point, indigenous cigarette producers also tend to have lower overhead costs because they do not have the same advertising, marketing, and distribution expenses that are associated with other commercial cigarette brands. Finally, the availability of online purchasing and delivery options has also helped to drive this new market, because consumers can easily purchase native cigarettes from the comfort of their homes without having to visit local stores.

From Harvest to Market: The Journey of Native Tobacco Products in Canada

As a result of these differences in pricing and regulation, the emergence of this new market in indigenous cigarettes is expected to continue to have a significant impact on both consumer demand and overall consumption. In order to mitigate the effects of this growing market, it is important for governments to limit potential sources of low-cost indigenous cigarettes that could erode the effectiveness of tobacco taxation policies and potentially discourage smokers from making the switch to safer, more healthful alternatives.