Cancer society stops smoking with Oneidas

Cancer society cuts all ties with Oneida nation

by Glenn CoinThe American Cancer Society has cut all ties with the Oneida Indian Nation because the tribe now makes its own cigarettes.

The society will no longer hold a major annual fund-raiser, Coaches vs. Cancer, at the nation's Turning Stone Resort and Casino in Verona. The cancer society has held the event there for eight years despite the fact that Turning Stone allows cigarette smoking and the nation sells $34 million of cigarettes a year.

The cancer society made its decision after The Post-Standard reported that the Oneidas bought a cigarette factory in Erie County last year for $6.6 million.

"As a general policy, the American Cancer Society will not associate with or benefit from an organization that manufactures cigarettes," Lisa Smith, regional vice president of the local cancer society chapter, said in a statement. "By purchasing this factory, the Oneida Indian Nation has become a tobacco company, no different from Philip Morris and R.J. Reynolds."Oneida Nation joins the tobacco industry

Comment:  For more on the subject, see Anti-Tobacco Youth Summit and Anti-Tobacco Talent Show.

Below:  "Assistant manager Tara Pritchard stocks shelves with cartons of Niagra's brand cigarettes at a SavOn Convenience Store on Patrick Road, Thursday, September 17, 2009 in Verona. The Oneida Indian Nation purchased the Sovereign Tobacco cigarette manufacturing plant in Erie County for $6.6 million. Sovereign Tobacco produces Niagara and Bishop discount cigarette brands." (Nicole L. Cvetnic/Observer-Dispatch)