"The Navajo Nation recently came close to doing the right thing and beginning a smoking ban in all public areas, including its future casinos.

It was close, but no cigar, as concern for casino profits took precedence over tribal health, as has been true with nearly every tribe that enters into the gaming business.

Apparently, they've learned too well the ways of the white man, who also refuses to let customer or worker health concerns stand in the way of maximizing profits in his smoke-filled casinos.

All four Tucson-area casinos - two run by the Pascua Yaqui and two by the Tohono O'odham - allow smoking, with some designated nonsmoking areas. Representatives from both tribes declined to comment for this column.

On July 25, the Navajo Nation Council voted to ban use of commercial tobacco in public buildings and in shared public air space at outdoor venues. On Aug. 8, tribal President Joe Shirley Jr. rejected the measure, in large part, because he feared it would hurt business at the planned Navajo casinos."

Get the Story:
Anne T. Denogean: Tribes: Snuff the butts at casinos (The Tucson Citizen 8/15)