BLACK HILLS CENTER FOR
AMERICAN INDIAN HEALTH
Health Related Research · Non-Profit Organization
P: (605) 348-6100
AIR IS LIFE HEALTH COALITION
HISTORY
The Air is Life Health Coalition has been working collaboratively for over 13 years to educate the public on the dangers and risks of secondhand smoke and assisted the Navajo Nation to establish a comprehensive smoke-free bill.
DEVELOPMENT
The Air is life Health Coalition developed the Niłch’ Éí Bee Ííná – Air is Life Act of 2021 legislation 13 years ago in hopes to decrease the use of commercial tobacco use on the Navajo Nation. Through years and years of hard work, the Air is life Coalition finally made the monumental achievement on November 6th, 2021.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
October 19, 2021: the 24th Navajo Nation Council passed Legislation No. 0174-21 by a vote of 20 in favor and 3 opposed, which enacts the Niłch’ éí Bee Ííńá - Air is Life Act of 2021.
On November 6, 2021: Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer were joined by members of the 24th Navajo Nation Council and the Air is Life Coalition, as they signed into the law the “Niłch’ Éí Bee Ííná – Air is Life Act of 2021” through Resolution CO-58- 21, which prohibits using commercial tobacco products in enclosed and indoor areas on the Navajo Nation.
The Act now prohibits using commercial tobacco products in enclosed, indoor workplaces or public places, and within 25 feet of any indoor area across the Navajo Nation. The new law will go into effect on February 5th, 2021 on Navajo Nation land including Navajo-owned Casinos.
