National Coalition Launches to Reclaim Sacred Tobacco Practices, Building on Historic Navajo Nation Success

TWIN ARROWS, Ariz. (January 15, 2025) — Following the groundbreaking success of tobacco control initiatives in the Navajo Nation, including the historic Navajo Air is Life Act and amended commercial tobacco taxation policy, the Black Hills Center for American Indian Health (BHCAIH) announces the launch of the Reclaim Sacred Tobacco Coalition (RST).

This national initiative, supported by the BHCAIH, American Nonsmokers’ Rights Foundation (ANRF) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, extends successful strategies in tobacco control for tribal communities across the United States.

"The work of the Air is Life Coalition demonstrated how communities can protect public health while honoring sacred tobacco traditions," said RST co-founder, Hershel Clark. "Our success in passing comprehensive smoke-free legislation and strengthening tobacco taxes to fund traditional healers and cultural programs created a blueprint for other tribes. The RST Coalition will help share these proven strategies nationwide."

RST builds upon the Navajo Air is Life Coalition’s achievements, which include:

• Implementation of the Navajo Air is Life Act, protecting indoor air quality within public places and workplaces across the Navajo Nation
• Passage of strengthened commercial tobacco tax legislation by funding Navajo traditional healer organizations and program 
• Recognition from the U.S. Surgeon General and national partners in tobacco control for innovative cultural approaches to tobacco control
• Development of culturally appropriate smoke-free policies and media campaign, while respecting the use of ceremonial tobacco

The RST coalition has already demonstrated remarkable momentum, growing from 16 participants to over 160 members representing tribes across the country. Through a dedicated $200,000 grant program, RST will support tribal initiatives to reclaim sacred tobacco practices while addressing commercial tobacco abuse.

"This RST coalition represents true nation-building," added Clinton Isham, co-founder. "We're creating a platform where tribes can share successful strategies, like the Navajo Nation's innovative policies, while respecting each community's unique cultural traditions.

The coalition will focus on:

• Developing comprehensive tribal toolkits and based on successful programs
• Creating culturally appropriate educational resources
• Develop evidence-based implementation guides for tribes 
• Supporting smoke-free policy implementation
• Facilitating inter-tribal knowledge sharing
• Providing direct funding to tribal initiatives
• Development of Tribal nation building in tobacco control efforts in Indian Country

Bi-monthly virtual gatherings feature tribal leaders sharing their communities' journeys toward reclaiming sacred tobacco and implementing health-protective policies. The coalition also plans to develop culturally tailored resources and provide direct funding for tribal lead initiatives in tobacco control and prevention.

“We are excited to share the incredible work that tribes are doing throughout Indian Country, whether it be in tobacco education and prevention, research, cessation, or policy development, it's a process in reclaiming our sacred tobacco,” said Clark.

For more information about the Reclaim Sacred Tobacco Coalition or to get involved, visit www.reclaimsacredtobacco.org.

###