2021 Conference

Theme

The theme for the 2021 Tribal EPA Region 9 Conference is “Tribal Land, Tribal Knowledge, Tribal Sovereignty.”

This theme reflects the fact that all land is Tribal land. It recognizes that Tribal knowledge remains inextricably linked with the care and protection of the land. It affirms the rights of Tribal sovereignty in applying Tribal knowledge to the stewardship of Tribal land. The work of Tribal environmental professionals serves to strengthen, support, and prioritize Tribal land, Tribal knowledge, and Tribal sovereignty.

Pala Welcome Letter

October 18, 2021

Welcome to the 2021 Tribal EPA Region 9 Conference! The Pala Band of Mission Indians is pleased to be hosting this year’s event under the direction and planning of the Pala Environmental Department.

While we are disappointed that circumstances required us to pull back on having this year’s conference in person, we are still excited about the possibilities for exchanging knowledge, learning, and collaborating in an online-only format. Nothing can substitute for in-person interaction, but the health and well-being of our communities, elders, families, and children must come first.

Our overall commitment to the health and well-being of our communities is what drives our work as Tribal environmental professionals. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to be a challenge on top of our work to protect our air, water, plants, animals, and soils of our communities. We are witnessing the worsening effects of climate change through temperature extremes, wildfires, poor air quality, invasive pests, and continuing drought. Yet, we are also witnessing the strength and resilience of Tribal people, which is encapsulated in this year’s conference theme of Tribal Land, Tribal Knowledge, Tribal Sovereignty.

We are proud to present this opportunity to come together virtually as a Region, as Tribes, and as individuals to interact with, learn from, and share with our colleagues and friends. Thank you all for your incredible work and commitment to protecting Tribal environments.

With gratitude,

Shasta Gaughen, PhD
Environmental Director/Tribal Historic Preservation Officer
Pala Band of Mission Indians

PS – Mark your calendars for the 2022 Tribal EPA Region 9 Conference, which will be held in Lake Tahoe from October 24-27, 2022.

USEPA Welcome Letter

Conference participants, speakers, and guests:

Welcome to the 29th Annual Region 9 Tribal/EPA Conference!

On behalf of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, I extend my sincerest thanks to the conference organizer, Pala Band of Mission Indians. This event would not be possible without your time and effort. I look forward to witnessing the creative and productive ways we come together throughout the week in this virtual space.

I also want to recognize the contributions of all presenters, moderators, and support staff. We have a robust agenda, over 80 planned virtual sessions showcasing a range of speakers who are lending their expertise and wisdom toward our common purpose. I encourage everyone to take advantage of all the conference has to offer.

Region 9 EPA recognizes and values tribal perspectives and tribal ecological knowledge, developed over millennia, that inform our work together to protect human health and the environment. This year’s conference theme, “Tribal Land, Tribal Knowledge, and Tribal Sovereignty,” is an acknowledgment of that learning mindset as we collaborate to improve the air, land, and water within Indian Country.

While this year’s event is a virtual one, the goals of sharing successes, lessons learned, and best practices remain the same. Working towards these goals is vital, as tribal communities are experiencing disproportionate burdens and challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and natural disasters.

Thank you for your presence and participation this week. I look forward to the day we can safely meet again in person.

Keynote Speakers

Tribal EPA Region 9 Environmental Protection Agency California Nevada Arizona Janet McCabe EPA

Janet McCabe, EPA Deputy Administrator

Janet McCabe was sworn in as the 16th Deputy Administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency on April 29, 2021.

Deputy Administrator McCabe returns to EPA after spending seven years working as Acting Assistant Administrator and Principal Deputy to the Assistant Administrator in the Office of Air and Radiation under President Barack Obama. [Full Profile]

Tribal EPA Region 9 Environmental Protection Agency California Nevada Arizona Deborah Jordan EPA

Deborah Jordan, Acting Regional Administrator for EPA’s Region 9 Office in San Francisco

Deborah Jordan has served as Deputy Regional Administrator of the U.S. EPA’s Region 9, Pacific Southwest Office, in San Francisco since 2016. Prior to that, she was detailed to EPA headquarters as Senior Policy Advisor to the Assistant Administrator of the Office of Air and Radiation, where she focused on Clean Air Act regulatory matters. She was the Air Director in Region 9 from 2004 to 2015, implementing the Clean Air Act in California, Arizona, Nevada, Hawaii and the Pacific territories, and on lands of 148 Indian tribes. [Full Profile]

Agenda

Welcome to the 2021 Tribal EPA Region 9 Conference! We are glad you are here! Our agenda includes over 80 panels, workshops, trainings, roundtables, and think tanks to get you energized and inspired for the work we do as Tribal environmental professionals, advisors, partners, and colleagues. Take a look at the schedule to start planning what to attend, and remember that every session will be recorded and uploaded to the Tribal EPA Region 9 Conference website for future viewing.

We want to thank the conference planning committee for their hard work in making this event happen. A special thank you also to our sponsors for their financial support.

Recorded Sessions

Go to our Tribal EPA Region 9 Conference YouTube Channel to view the recorded sessions from the 2021 Tribal EPA Region 9 Conference. You will also discover the playlists from previous conferences.

2021 Tribal EPA Region 9 Conference
2020 Tribal EPA Region 9 Conference

Note: Several sessions were not recorded due to sensitive materials or technical difficulties.

@tribaleparegion9

YouTube

Host

The Pala Band of Mission Indians and the US Environmental Protection Agency are honored to co-host the 2021 Tribal EPA Region 9 Annual Conference, taking place October 18-21, 2021. Under the direction of the Pala Environmental Department and in cooperation with EPA’s Region 9 Tribal Branch, we are organizing a robust and exciting agenda of speakers, sessions, and experiences for conference attendees.

Pala Band of Mission Indians

United States Environmental Protection Agency

Pala Environmental Department

Why Attend

The Tribal EPA Region 9 Annual Conference has been the must-attend annual event for Region 9 Tribes since it began in 1993. Now in its 29th year, the conference provides opportunities to learn from Tribal environmental professionals and USEPA experts in air quality, water quality, pollution prevention, solid waste management, climate change adaptation, and more.

Starting with the fall Regional Tribal Operations Committee (RTOC) meeting on day one, the conference continues over the next three days with presentations, round-tables, trainings, panel discussions, workshops, and more.

Whether you are a seasoned Tribal environmental professional or brand new, you will find something new and exciting to learn and share at the R9 Tribal Environmental Conference. See old friends, make new connections, and strengthen Tribal sovereignty and environmental protection efforts at the Tribal EPA Region 9 Annual Conference.

Registration

Registration is open through the 2021 Tribal EPA Region 9 Conference Accelevents Event Site. This year we are offering the conference as a virtual event online via Accelevents, a virtual conferencing platform.

Tribal EPA Region 9 Conference has provided details on registration fees, payments, registration, and refunds on the Registration page.

~~Please take a moment to read through the Registration Page before registering.~~ Registration for the 2021 Tribal EPA Region 9 Conference has closed.

Submissions

The Tribal EPA Region 9 Conference is looking for dynamic, relevant, innovative, and exciting content from tribal and USEPA presenters for this year’s conference Tribal EPA Region 9 Annual Conference.

While we welcome traditional panel presentations, we are also asking that you consider ways to make your session interactive and engaging for participants. As you develop your proposal, consider the different formats you can choose for sharing your knowledge and pick the one that you think will work best to keep your audience focused, involved, and active.

~~The deadline for submissions is August 15, 2021.~~ The deadline for submissions expired.

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Nominations

Conner Byestewa Jr. (1937-1999) was the Director of Environmental Protection and the Agriculture Regulatory Office for the Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT). The Tribal EPA Region 9 Conference established the Conner Byestewa Jr. Award in his honor in 2000. This award highlights the achievements of Tribal environmental professionals in Region 9 who are committed to Conner’s principles of tribal self-government, improved human health, and environmental protection.

~~The deadline for nominations is September 24, 2021.~~ The deadline for nominations expired.

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Call for Entries

The work we do as Tribal environmental professionals is directly related to our commitment to ensuring a safe and healthy future for our children. In that spirit, we invite the Tribal youth of Region 9 to participate in one, two, or all three of this year’s art contests.

This year, we are featuring contests for art, photography, and video in three age/grade categories. We also have a special group category for the video contest.

Winners in each category and age group will win a cash gift card of $100, and ALL entrants will receive gifts for participating. All entries will be featured during the Tribal EPA Region 9 Conference on the website, on the agenda, and during opening and closing ceremonies. Winners will get special acknowledgment during the opening ceremonies.

~~The deadline for entries is September 1, 2021.~~ The deadline for entries expired.

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Conner Byestewa Jr. Award 2021 Recipients

The 2021 Tribal EPA Region 9 Conference Committee is pleased to announce that we have selected
three awardees for this year’s Conner Byestewa Jr. Environmental Award. All three of the awardees are
being recognized for honoring Conner Byestewa Jr.’s legacy through their commitment to Tribal
environmental protection. Congratulations to Lillian Lane, Tashina Jim, and Paul Huette.

Lillie Lane

About

Bio

Attributes

Nominator

Name: Lillie Lane
Tribe: Navajo Nation
Title: Sr. Public Information Officer
Department: Navajo Nation Environmental Protection Agency

Lillie Lane grew up on the western part of the Navajo Nation and attended a government boarding school in Tuba City, Arizona. She then attended Northfield Mount Hermon School in Massachusetts and finished high school. After high school, she attended Yale University and the University of Arizona in Tucson. She received her bachelors degree in English and Linguistics. She returned to Window Rock and worked at the Historic Preservation Department and worked two years with the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture in Santa Fe, New Mexico. After this, she returned to Navajo Nation and began a twenty year career with the Navajo Nation Environmental Protection Agency in Window Rock, Arizona.

Lillie Lane has worked with the Navajo Nation Environmental Protection Agency for twenty years. She worked with many Navajo communities on safe drinking water issues and the cleanup of a municipal dump in the Western side of the Navajo Nation. She worked with Navajo Nation EPA, the Hopi Tribe, USEPA Region 9 and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. From 2008 to 2012, she was a member with the Navajo Nation EPA that worked on assessing contaminated water sources and the investigation of approximately 75 homes that were constructed with waste material from uranium mines. Investigations included locating homes, negotiating with Navajo families and determining whether homes were not safe. In the end, approximately 25 homes were demolished and rebuilt.

Ms Lane has worked diligently to attend Navajo chapters and community meetings for years. This is where she used the Navajo language to inform and educate Navajo people on issues related to environmental protection and advance health concerns for all Navajo people. Many chapters are concern with clean communities and safe drinking water.

In 2017, Ms Lane was tasked to become a member of the Tribal Radiation Materials Transportation Committee (TRMTC) in response to plans for the transport of uranium from the Grand Canyon to White Mesa Mill in Blanding, Utah. Ms Lane increased her knowledge and understanding of radiological materials waste from nuclear generating stations located throughout the United States. She learned of the lack of storage for nuclear waste and how the Waste Isolation Pilot Project (WIPP) impacts tribes in the southwest. Transportation of high level waste is a concern because railways traverse tribal lands and communities throughout the U. S. TRMTC members advocate for treaty rights, sovereignty, the need for consultation, environmental justice and the struggle to protect traditional lifeways and beliefs.

Membership to TRMTC has enabled Ms Lane to voice Navajo issues to Department of Energy, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the Federal Railway Administration and regional authorities who are all players in transport of radiological materials and the operation of nuclear facilities.

Ms Lane is very passionate about her work and believes it is critical for tribes to establish partnerships with important entities in the federal government. She says “This process is long and difficult, however Native American tribes can achieve understanding on unique challenges so that tribes can work for their people and their cultures”. Her tribe, the Navajo people believe that protection of Mother Earth and Father Sky is paramount because a healthy environment has strong people. All tribes and nations have to protect their livelihoods, their unique heritage and cultures because that defines who we are. And all tribes should strive to live into the future.

Name: Larry King
Tribe: Navajo
Title: President
Department: Church Rock Chapter

Tashina Jim

About

Bio

Attributes

Nominator

Name: Tashina Jim
Tribe: Walker River Paiute Tribe
Title: GAP Manager
Department: Environmental

To be provided.

I nominate Tashina Jim, from the Walker River Paiute Tribe in Nevada, for the 2021 Conner Byestewa, Jr. Award.

Tashina Jim is the GAP Manager for the Walker River Paiute Tribe, which is located on the west side of the middle of Nevada. The Walker River reservation is the second largest in Nevada, and with that comes a large residential population and larger infrastructure, and more responsibilities.

This is an old story, but it has to be said. When Tashina took over the Walker River environmental program, it was not in the best state, and had a small staff, but it had just got Treatment as a State under Section 303 and 401 of the Clean Water Act. The Tribe is also near the Anaconda Superfund cleanup site, and a deferral to the State of Nevada from EPA was in the works.

She was fresh out of college having earned her Bachelor of Science from the Haskell Indian Nations University with degree in American Indian and Indigenous Studies with an emphasis in Environmental Justice. Often, our young educated warriors start at the technician level, but Tashina, who is a member of the Walker River Paiute Tribe, was hired as the GAP Manager, which is basically the Environmental Director for the Tribe.

She immediately worked with EPA at resolving the problems at hand, which she did. She then wrote grants to pay the staff to manage their environmental concerns and expanded her GAP Program. Tashina also recognized that training was paramount to have an effective program and focused on that for herself and staff.

The State, EPA, and the Walker River Paiute Tribe and the Yerington Paiute Tribe, at the time, were fighting to get the Anaconda Copper mine cleanup to move up the Superfund National Priorities list, and that required many meetings between agencies and the Tribes. Tashina and Walker River Paiute Tribe Chairwoman, Amber Torres, were and are vocal participants in those meetings. From the beginning, Tashina made the effort to participate in the many meetings that environmental groups have, ranging from emergency management to food sovereignty. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she took on the role of Emergency Manager for her Tribe.

Now, the Tribe has a GAP Program, with the Manager, Assistant, and seasonal intern, a Superfund Program, Brownfield Tribal Response Program, and a Solid Waste Collection Program. The program is run efficiently and professionally. They built a large transfer station that takes in most waste, and is an excellent example of how to build a transfer station based on your needs and capacity. There is a long-term plan to expand environmental capacity. Her program collaborates with the other tribal programs on composting for their food sovereignty projects, managing water resources, educating their youth, and many other projects that protect the health and safety of the Tribe.

What strikes me the most about Tashina is her strength and confidence. She is a modest person and is not apt to talk much during meetings, but she has thoughtful words when she does speak. She doesn’t sit in the back during large meetings and is not shy, but she is respectful of her elders and more seasoned peers. When I last visited her, shortly after the reservation was opened up after the worst of the pandemic, I saw her giving orders to her staff in a professional and friendly manner, and excited to share her plans for current and future projects. This means that not only did Tashina figure out the technical side of her job, but she is a good manager of people and tasks. Any good manager appreciates the challenges of managing people and the added stress it can bring to their daily job duties.

What I also appreciate about Tashina is she can say “no” to taking on more than she can do. I want her to be on the Regional Tribal Operations Committee (RTOC) and other committees, but she wants to focus on the needs of her Tribe and growing capacity for her program. Her answer to me is something like a, “maybe later.”

This is why I want to recognize Tashina Jim. She’s been staying behind the scene the past 5 years, and is a familiar face but I suspect not many people really know her and get to know the young woman warrior, the mother, the boss, and the friend.

Name: Clifford Banuelos
Tribe: Inter-Tribal Council of Nevada
Title: Tribal-State Environmental Liaison
Department: Environmental

Paul Huette

About

Bio

Attributes

Nominator

Name: Paul Huette
Tribe: Big Pine Tribe of Owens Valley
Title: Utility Operator
Department: Utilities

Paul Huette is a member of the Big Pine Tribe of Owens Valley. He is married to Retha Huette and has 5 children and grandchildren. He is the water and wastewater utility operator for Big Pine Paiute Tribe of Owens Valley.

Mr. Paul Huette’s commitment to public service extends to all parts of the water system, from regional environmental stewardship and valley-wide water management to tribal water rights and water supply systems. His knowledge of water is showcased by the Tribe’s award-winning water quality, which is symbolic of the essential nature of leadership as it relates to addressing people’s needs. Paul cares and prioritizes environmental issues and discusses the impacts of groundwater pumping, climate change, stewardship through his role as Vice Chairman of the Owens Valley Indian Water Commission. Paul advocates and informs the public of the environmental issues in his community and empowers and inspires them to use their voices to stop further environmental damages.

Paul’s leadership is exemplified by the commitment to serve his community by unselfishly dedicating time and effort as Captain of the Big Pine Volunteer Fire Department, Chairman of the Firefighters Association, member of the Inyo County Water Commission, member of the Big Pine Tribal Environment Board, Big Pine School Board Member and Supervisors Forum.

Paul was 2019’s Big Pine Civic Club’s Citizen of the Year, and has been awarded Firefighter of the Year (twice). For these reasons I believe Paul Huette personifies Conner Byestewa Jr’s values and is worthy of this award.

Name: Kyndall Noah
Tribe: Owens Valley Indian Water Commission
Title: Communications Specialist/Project Coordinator
Department: Environmental

Conner Byestewa Jr. Award Artist - Janet Travis

Tribal EPA Region 9 Environmental Protection Agency California Nevada Arizona Logo Connor Byestewa Jr Award Janet Travis Artist

Janet Travis (Gila River Indian Community)

The 2021 Tribal EPA Region 9 Conference is proud to introduce Janet Travis, our featured artist. Janet reached out to us and generously offered to create the beautiful art pieces that will be gifted to the winners of the Connor Byestewa Jr. Award.

Janet is a glass artist and sculptor who currently resides in the Arts District in Phoenix, Arizona. She is Maricopa and is enrolled at the Gila River Indian Community. Fourteen years ago Janet left a career working for her tribe in the environmental field to attend the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) in Santa Fe, New Mexico where she completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. She returned to the Phoenix area in 2012 to be near her family and picked up where she left off in the Tribal environmental field. Janet works with glass, clay, and natural materials for cultural pieces. In her own words, “IAIA opened a new world for me, an exciting balance of traditional and contemporary. It made me anxious to explore my potential and gave me the courage and skills to try.”

Janet’s work has been displayed at the Huhugam Heritage Center, the Heard Museum, local businesses and galleries, and multiple juried art markets as well as individual commissions for larger ceramic pieces and cultural items. Her most rewarding work is done primarily for free – she creates glass beads with cremation ashes encased inside.

We are honored to have Janet Travis create these unique art pieces for our Connor Byestewa Jr. Award winners.

Janet Travis Art Gallery

Tribal EPA Region 9 Conference

Tribal EPA Region 9 Conference
For more information contact the Tribal EPA Region 9 Conference:
info@tribalepa.com | www.tribalepa.com

Tribal EPA Region 9 Conference Hosts
The Tribal EPA Region 9 Annual Conference is co-hosted by the Pala Band of Mission Indians and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Tribal EPA Region 9 Conference Online
Connect with the Tribal EPA Region 9 Conference online (#TribalEPARegion9):
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Conference

Theme

Pala Welcome Letter

USEPA Welcome Letter

Keynote Speakers

Agenda

Recorded Sessions

Host

Why Attend

Registration

Submissions

Nominations

Call for Entries

Sponsors

Conner Byestewa Jr. Award 2021 Recipients

Lillie Lane

About

Bio

Attributes

Nominator

Tashina Jim

About

Bio

Attributes

Nominator

Paul Huette

About

Bio

Attributes

Nominator

Conner Byestewa Jr. Award Artist - Janet Travis

Janet Travis Art Gallery

Tribal EPA Region 9 Conference

Conference Hosts

Partnership

Additional Information

Social Media