The tobacco industry has long targeted American Indians and Alaska Natives through cultural misappropresentation. Greenville Rancheria Tribal Health Program addresses this by offering accessible cessation services: transportation assistance, medication support, home visits, and personalized education. Their CHR-led approach has engaged eleven patients in weekly check-ins, demonstrating effective community-centered solutions.
The Navajo Nation marks a historic milestone with the Air is Life Act of 2021, championing tobacco control and cultural reclamation. Join Hershel Clark, MPH, as he shares insights on this groundbreaking legislation and its impact on community health and sovereignty.
As COVID-19 disrupts traditional healthcare, social media emerges as a vital tool for smoking cessation support. Discover how digital platforms can reach struggling smokers while addressing critical concerns about privacy, content relevance, and sustained behavior change during unprecedented times.
Nearly 100 community members united over May 7th and 8th to revitalize Wrangell's cherished attractions and green spaces. This collaborative effort—involving city staff, volunteers, and Evergreen Elementary students—collected over 1,500 cigarette butts while teaching youth about environmental stewardship and personal accountability. Together, they demonstrated that many hands truly do make light work.
In 2019, the Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan's Three Fires Comprehensive Cancer Consortium launched culturally tailored tobacco digital ads focused on smoking cessation and cancer prevention. The campaign generated significant response to their American Indian Commercial Tobacco Program helpline, demonstrating the power of targeted, culturally sensitive health messaging.
Four Michigan tribal casinos are leading a health revolution by reopening 100% smoke-free indoors. Island Resort & Casino, Leelanau Sands, Odawa Casino, and Turtle Creek Casino prioritize staff and customer safety. As sovereign properties, they're setting a powerful example that ventilation systems can't match secondhand smoke's dangers, aligning with CDC data showing 92% of young adults are nonsmokers.
Secondhand smoke exposure remains a critical health threat, but communities are fighting back. Through education and advocacy, we're creating smoke-free environments that protect vulnerable populations. Meet Melissa Meza, a dedicated health educator at CRIHB, leading the charge against this preventable hazard and inspiring real change.
Sitka's HOPE Coalition transformed a smoke-free workplace challenge into community action. When Alaska's statewide law triggered outdoor smoking concerns, volunteers mobilized for monthly cigarette butt cleanups. Over 1,000 butts collected on day one! Now strengthened partnerships, increased volunteers, and a cleaner downtown showcase how grassroots efforts create lasting public health impact.
After six years of legislative effort, Alaska's Legislature has approved a sweeping statewide smoking ban covering bars, restaurants, public transportation, and most businesses. Senate Bill 63 passed with strong bipartisan support and heads to Governor Walker's desk. The ban includes limited exemptions for fishing boats, airports, and specialty tobacco stores while extending protections to half of Alaska's population currently without smokefree laws.
Four Native Americans from Michigan tribes share powerful stories about quitting commercial tobacco. Valorie Glazier, Kimberly Leapley, Jacques LeBlanc, and Christopher Polasky inspire peers to quit smoking through personal testimonies. The American Indian Commercial Tobacco Program offers free nicotine replacement therapy and culturally tailored support at 1-855-372-0037.
Attending any of these upcoming events? Have other events to share? Let us know! Email us at NNN@ITCMI.ORG to share your event information or to get on our list serve for event updates.
National Network of Public Health Institutes Annual Conference | New Orleans, LA | LEARN MORE AND REGISTER
2026 National Council of Urban Indian Health Conference | Washington, D.C. | LEARN MORE AND REGISTER
Webinar | Behavioral Health and Tobacco Product Use: Addressing Disparities, Improving Outcomes | LEARN MORE AND REGISTER
Partners in Chronic Disease Prevention Symposium | Hosted by Great Plains Tribal Health | Great Plains Tribal Health is pleased to announce that registration is now open for the Partners in Chronic Disease Prevention Symposium. Travel scholarships are available on a first-come, first-served basis. To apply for a scholarship, please indicate so on the registration page and return all necessary documents by April 10, 2026. | ATTENDEE REGISTRATION | VENDOR REGISTRATION
