BUFFALO, NY—In a heartfelt display of solidarity for Indigenous People’s Day, local resident Todd “Big T” Jenkins drove out to the Seneca Nation’s reservation Monday morning to “give back” in the best way he knew how—by purchasing an additional carton of Seneca cigarettes. Jenkins, 42, who makes the weekly trek from his suburban home to the reservation for tax-free cigarettes, felt this was the perfect opportunity to show his support. “I mean, what better way to honor Indigenous culture than to buy from their businesses, right?” Jenkins said, loading his extra carton into his truck. “It’s about respect, tradition, and, of course, a great deal.”

Jenkins, a self-proclaimed champion of cultural awareness, was quick to point out that he doesn’t just show up on Indigenous People’s Day. “I’ve been buying Senecas for years. This isn’t performative,” he noted, proudly displaying his collection of Seneca Nation memorabilia—mostly cigarette lighters and ashtrays. “Today, I just bought a little extra to show my appreciation. Plus, I heard the price might go up soon, so it’s like a win-win.”

While some might see Jenkins’ actions as an oversimplified gesture, he remains unbothered. “A lot of people say they support the Native community, but would they die for them?” he said, exhaling a cloud of smoke with an air of cultural pride. “My doctor tells me all these cigs from the res are killing me but I know he’s just a colonizer.”