Julietta Sorensen Kass was pleasantly surprised by the success of the tobacco seeds she casually scattered on her lawn in northwest Calgary. The harvest yielded more than she ever expected, providing an abundance for her to use in Métis cultural rituals and ceremonies.
When it came time to dry the leaves, Sorensen Kass decided to share her excess tobacco for free by posting about it on social media. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with people not only expressing interest but also offering their own gifts in return, such as bundles of cedar and sage.
Being a member of the Manitoba Métis Federation with connections to St. Paul des Métis and the Red River Settlement, Sorensen Kass views tobacco as a sacred plant integral to her ceremonies and prayers. She refers to it as the “gratitude plant” and uses dried leaves to show appreciation to the land, animals, and individuals she interacts with.
Initially hesitant to share her surplus tobacco publicly, Sorensen Kass eventually made the decision to do so after realizing she had more than she needed. Debra Roulette, one of the recipients, exchanged a batch of homemade fry bread for ceremonial tobacco. This exchange of gifts resonated with both parties, reflecting a deep-rooted tradition of reciprocity.
The demand for tobacco seeds has been steadily increasing, with companies like Tobacco Seeds Canada attributing this trend to rising tobacco taxes and a growing interest in gardening and organic cultivation. Sorensen Kass, who acquired her seeds from a nursery south of Calgary, emphasizes the importance of understanding the different varieties, growth processes, and legal aspects of cultivating tobacco.
Under federal regulations, Canadians are permitted to grow up to 15 kilograms of raw leaf tobacco per adult annually for personal use without a license, equating to approximately 150 to 200 plants. Despite some complaints about her lawn’s appearance, Sorensen Kass plans to enhance her landscaping when planting her next crop later this year.
Continuing her mission to grow and share tobacco with others, Sorensen Kass finds fulfillment in witnessing indigenous plants thriving alongside tobacco in her front yard, symbolizing a sense of liberation and connection to the land.