Since the earliest beginnings of their culture, Native American tribes used ceremonial smoking as a traditional means of dignifying many important activities, such as rallying forces for warfare, conducting trade discussions, negotiating for a bride, or settling disputes over land. Treaties were signed over a Pipe, couples were and still are married over one. Making vows or signing a name over a Pipe ensured that the vows or agreement would never be broken, because it had been sanctified by the Creator. Get more essays about online education.