Tobacco Topics : Policy

Historically, tobacco use was governed by each Tribe’s cultural traditions and plant availability within seasonal cycles. In effect, limited access and traditional norms served as the first “tobacco control policies.” With the availability of commercial tobacco products now widespread, plant availability and traditional norms no longer guide responsible or appropriate tobacco use in the manner they once did. Today, commercial tobacco policies are needed to protect the health of all tribal members.

Why Develop Tobacco Policy?

Children, non-smokers, and elders deserve protection from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke exposure.

Our youth deserve guidance that will help them escape the grips of nicotine addiction.

Those who want to quit using commercial tobacco deserve access to the services and support that can assist them in their attempt.

Our young people deserve freedom from the manipulative media tactics employed by the Tobacco Industry.

Experience has shown that only well written tobacco policies can provide this needed protection, guidance, access, and freedom. Tobacco policies have the ability to resolve disputes between smokers and nonsmokers, employers and employees, and businesses and patrons. A tobacco policy is a way to keep peace and a means to help all community members know what it expected of them.

A tobacco policy states a Tribe’s official position on tobacco use in public places, accessibility for minors, treatment in the clinic, and exposure to Tobacco Industry pressure. A strong tobacco policy will protect all tribal members. It will strengthen educational programs that can return tobacco to its traditional role. If your tribe already has a tobacco policy, this workbook will help you evaluate and improve that policy, and can help you identify other areas that would benefit from policy change.

• Download/print a pdf version of the 2005 Tribal Tobacco Policy Workbook