Hi TIS Teams! This month I’m sharing a quick update on the Ottawa Charter, which turns 40 this year. Recent research looking at the Ottawa Charter through an Indigenous perspective shows tobacco companies are still harming communities. This includes influencing digital health information and flooding the market with nicotine products. In this evidence update, you’ll find a quick recap of what the Ottawa Charter stands for, the challenges it faces today, and what this means for TIS work to reduce nicotine-related harm.

Take Home Message for TIS

TIS is more than a program. It is a community-led movement grounded in culture, connection and collective strength. It shows that real change happens when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities lead, when youth are supported to shape solutions, and when we actively challenge the systems that allow tobacco harms to continue. By strengthening youth leadership, advocating for reduced tobacco availability, calling out digital misinformation, and ensuring genuine community decision-making power, TIS is turning the vision of the Ottawa Charter into action: building strong, smoke- and vape-free futures led by community, for community.

Click on the thumbnail to the right to read Connie’s full update.

For more of Connie the Clever Cockie’s updates, visit the Tobacco Control News page.