This week a historic decision was brought before the Navajo Nation Council. Located in New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona and Utah, the Navajo Nation is the 2^nd largest American Indian tribe in the country. According to a 2005 survey conducted by the Navajo Nation Division of Health, as many as 38 percent of children in grades 6-12 on the Navajo reservation are smokers. That is twice the national average of 19.7 percent for children in grades 6-12. In the adult population, the same survey showed about 28 percent of men are smokers and 17 percent of women smoke on the Navajo reservation. The Navajo Nation Division of Health is pushing the Navajo Nation Council to pass a tobacco- free act on the Navajo Reservation.  If this act is passed on the Navajo Nation, it would be historical and the Navajo people would be the third American Indian tribe to pass a tobacco free law on their reservation. The Blackfeet and Fort Peck tribes of Montana have both passed tobacco free laws.

If the law is passed it would prohibit commercial cigarette and tobacco use in public places, but not tobacco used in traditional ceremonies for religious, spiritual purposes. The law is supported by many local organizations, like the Southwest Navajo Tobacco Education Prevention Project, the Navajo Nation Division of Health and the Hataalii Association, a traditional group of sanctioned Navajo medicine men. However the law is opposed by the Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise. The NN Gaming Enterprise is claiming that the smoking ban would put the Nations’ first Casino, being built right now, at a disadvantage due to the fact that people would not be allowed to smoke in the casino.

The law would prohibit smoking in public buildings and public places, such as rodeos and fairs. The law aims to protect non-smokers from deadly second-hand smoke, children and elders who are many times helpless to smoke inhalation.  The law seeks to prevent and discourage people from smoking and also to keep others from starting. Along with much support for the smoking ban the act also faces criticism. Many feel that public places such as rodeos and fair s are outdoors and the ban would not be enforced as the law states.

As a young person of the Navajo Nation I would like to pledge my support of the smoking ban. As a non-smoker the ability to breath freely and clearly is priceless.