The Navajo Nation Council was set to consider a total ban on smoking in all public areas and workplaces, including the tribe’s four casinos in Arizona and New Mexico, in its current session, which began October 18.
The “Nilch’ éí Bee Ííná – Air is Life Act 2021” would prohibit smoking in public places including at the tribe’s casinos, but would not restrict using tobacco products inside homes or the use of ceremonial tobacco.
In 2011, delegates failed to override then-tribal President Ben Shelly’s veto of a measure that would have prohibited smoking and using chewing tobacco in public spaces except at the tribe’s casinos.
