SMOKE TRADERS takes a look at the controversy ignited by the Mohawk Nation’s involvement in the tobacco trade, raising issues of sovereignty, economic independence, and entrepreneurship versus illegal activity.

For centuries, Europeans have run the North American tobacco trade; today the First Nations people are taking it back. But is the tobacco trade a road to independence or criminality for Native people? SMOKE TRADERS tells the story of the contraband tobacco trade and the effect on individual lives and communities from a Native perspective. The multi-million dollar cigarette industry that Mohawks have built has pulled their communities out of third world poverty, but the Canadian government is determined to shut the trade down. Are these traders criminals who must be stopped? Or are they a new breed of Native entrepreneur who deserve our support?

AWARDS AND NOMINATIONS INCLUDE:

• Winner: Best Documentary, Dreamspeakers Film Festival 2012

• Nominated: Best Documentary Feature, Native American Film Festival, San Francisco 2012

• Winner: Best Documentary Social/Political, Yorkton Film Festival/Golden Sheaf Awards 2013

• Winner: Aboriginal Award, Yorkton Film Festival/Golden Sheaf Awards 2013