Anishnabek communities to butt-out

The chiefs of the Anishnabek Nation have committed to make their communities smoke-free.

The chiefs voted to adopt a resolution during their grand council assembly held on Sand Point First Nation from June 12 to 14 that will be used to phase in no smoking policies within the Anishnabek Nation?s 42 member communities.

The resolution calls for creation and promotion of laws and regulations that respect the traditional use of tobacco while regulating smoking in First Nations public buildings and areas. The regulations will also take aim at addressing high smoking rates among youth.

A plan for creating and implementing the non-smoking regulations is expected to be developed by the fall, with an eye to having the first member communities become smoke-free early in 2007.