smoking
By Stacy Thacker, University of Montana
A recent study shows that Native Americans in New Mexico are smoking more than any other race in the state. Being a New Mexican and Native American I found this shocking!
According to the Farmington (N.M) Daily Times, nearly a quarter of people who live on tribal land in New Mexico smoke. This rise in smoking has occurred only recently, in previous years the rate of Native smokers was lower than other ethnic groups.
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — Navajo President Ben Shelly cannot enforce an executive order to ban smoking in public places on the reservation, his spokeswoman said Thursday, easing concerns that an immediate prohibition would jeopardize a $150 million casino in Arizona.
Shelly signed the order this week, saying he wanted to create a healthier environment for Navajo people who are subjected to second-hand smoke. The tribe's justice department reviewed the order and found that it was legally insufficient, said Shelly spokeswoman Charmaine Jackson.
