Bingo halls and smoking: Perspectives of First Nations women
Introduction
High rates of exposure to secondhand cigarette smoke exist in many Aboriginal communities in Canada where rates of smoking are higher than the general population (McKennitt, 2007; Assembly of First Nations, First Nations Information Governance Committee, 2007), and the number of Aboriginal women of childbearing years who smoke far exceed those of non-Aboriginal women (Reading, 1999). Aboriginal households report that 32% (compared to provincial rates of 18%) of households with children under age 11 experience daily or nearly daily exposure to second-hand smoke (SHS) (Angus Reid Group, 1997). In response to concerns by some women living in First Nation reserve communities in northern British Columbia (BC), Canada, we began to study the problem of smoking and SHS exposure particularly as it related to women and young children. In the course of this research local bingos held in community halls were identified as an important social activity for women that put them and their children at risk for exposure to SHS, and a public space where smoking was negotiated and often contested. As such examining women's experiences at bingo provided an opportunity to understand the complex ways that relationships, policies and power play out in this setting, and influence smoking practices and exposure to SHS exposure. The purpose of this analysis was, therefore, to examine practices and factors influencing exposure to SHS in bingo halls through women's experiences.
Section snippets
Background literature
The study of Aboriginal communities and women living in these communities requires an understanding of power relations within contemporary and historical social contexts. To draw attention to these contexts, we use an intersectional lens. This theoretical perspective interrogates how multiple social inequalities of race, gender, social class, place and other dimensions of difference are simultaneously generated, maintained and challenged at the institutional and individual levels, shaping the
Methods
This analysis is based on data collected in a larger ethnographic study to understand how smoke and exposure to SHS influenced the lives of First Nation young mothers (16–35 years of age) and their children. Using a community-partnership model, the focus of the study was determined by representatives of the community, and team members from two health centers serving five of the six communities (DS, WW) and a community-based research assistant (RM) actively participated in the research. Approval
Findings
The important role that bingo played in the study communities was widely recognized by all participants. Bingo was positioned as a key source of recreation, and important opportunity for socializing with others and perhaps most importantly a critical source of revenue for each of the communities. It was clear that for bingos to be successful it was important to attract a large number of people, and for band councils and other bingo hosts, this meant accommodating smokers. Smoking was enabled at
Discussion
This exploration of experiences in the bingo halls in isolated rural First Nation communities illustrates how ordinary public spaces are a significant resource for both individuals and communities, and at the same time may put individuals at risk. As suggested by Cattell et al. (2008), mundane places can take on special symbolic significance through social and power relations. In this case, bingo provided a space to bring people together and a place to escape from routines and difficulties of
Acknowledgements
This study was conducted as part of the Gitxsan TRYAMP (Tobacco Reduction for Young Aboriginal Mothers and Families) Project funded by the Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR), and supported by Gitxsan Health Society and Gitsegukla Health Centre. The First Nation Inuit Health Branch of Health Canada provided funding to implement strategies to reduce the effects of SHS and to supplement the costs of research activities. This research was also supported by CIHR and Michael Smith
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