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. 2016 Oct;25(Suppl 1):i26-i31.
doi: 10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2016-053109.

Advancing smoke-free policy adoption on the Navajo Nation

Patricia Nez Henderson  1 , April Roeseler  2 , Gregg Moor  3 , Hershel W Clark  1 , Alfred Yazzie  1 , Priscilla Nez  1 , Chantal Nez  1 , Samantha Sabo  4 , Scott J Leischow  5
Affiliations

Advancing smoke-free policy adoption on the Navajo Nation

Patricia Nez Henderson et al. Tob Control. 2016 Oct.

Abstract

Background: Comprehensive smoke-free laws are effective at protecting non-smokers and reducing tobacco use, yet they are not widely adopted by tribal governments.

Methods: A series of smoke-free policy initiatives on the Navajo Nation, beginning in 2008, were reviewed to identify key issues, successes and setbacks.

Results: It has been essential that proposed policies acknowledge the Navajo people's spiritual use of nát'oh, a sacred plant used for gift-giving, medicinal purposes and traditional ceremonies, while simultaneously discouraging a secular use of commercial tobacco. Concern that smoke-free policies economically harm tribal casinos has been a major barrier to broad implementation of comprehensive smoke-free laws in Navajo Nation.

Conclusions: It is necessary for tobacco control researchers and advocates to build relationships with tribal leaders and casino management in order to develop the business case that will take comprehensive smoke-free policies to scale throughout tribal lands.

Keywords: Disparities; Priority/special populations; Public policy; Secondhand smoke.

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Figure 1
Navajo times headline.
Figure 2
Figure 2
NNGE Ad in Navajo times. NNGE, Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise.
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