First Nations Development Institute Applauds Navajo Junk-Food Tax

LONGMONT, Colo., Nov. 21, 2014 — First Nations Development Institute (First Nations), a national Native American nonprofit organization that works to improve Native economies and communities, today sent its congratulations and appreciation to the Navajo Nation for passing – again – an increased sales tax on junk food sold on the reservation.

The added tax on junk food, as well as the elimination of sales taxes on healthy foods, were the key legislative priorities of the Diné Community Advocacy Alliance (DCAA). Both bills – together called the Healthy Diné Nation Act of 2014 – were passed on January 30, 2014, but only the elimination of sales taxes on healthy foods survived and was signed into law.

The first time the junk-food tax passed, it was vetoed by the Navajo Nation president. But after the Navajo Nation Council again passed the added tax last week, Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly today signed the legislation. With today’s signing, both bills will now be law on the Navajo Nation. Now the Navajo Nation has become the first in the country on two fronts: 1) the first to eliminate a tax on local fruits, vegetables and water, aiming to increase access to fresh and healthy foods and, 2) passed a tax on junk food, including sugary beverages sold on the reservation, with revenue aimed at supporting health and wellness programs across the Navajo reservation.

First Nations is happy to have supported DCAA in its successful efforts.

“It has taken a long time, but we applaud the Diné Community Advocacy Alliance and appreciate its persistence, patience and great effort at getting these passed and signed, in what we believe to be the first special junk-food tax in both the U.S. and Indian Country, which makes it a trailblazing precedent as we attempt to address the root causes of diet-related diseases such as type 2 diabetes, obesity and heart disease that are particularly rampant on reservations and in other Native American communities,” said First Nations President Michael E. Roberts. “We commend DCAA and the Navajo Nation for proactively exploring legislative efforts to combat these detrimental health issues troubling Navajo and other Indian communities.”