2022 Conference

Theme

The 2022 Tribal EPA Region 9 Conference theme is “Knowledge is of the Land.”

Meyo Marrufo

Clifford Banuelos

Mervin Wright, Jr.

Meyo Marrufo (Robinson Rancheria), Guidiville Rancheria-Environmental Director

Everything that I know as a tribal person begins and ends with the land I am from.

I am a weaver, the ones I learned from taught me how to listen to the land for gathering times when the leaves come into bud for peeled sticks when a stream dries early and I need to gather quickly. When the snakes come, it is time to stop digging roots and let the plants rest until next year. Weavers take designs from the land and the animals around them. The mountain designs, the quail top design, the way the animals leave tracks on the land. These become our designs.

I am a singer. Our songs and dances come from the land. The steps are similar to our animal relatives, steps like a deer, head moving and stopping to take in the land, aware of the surrounding. Our women are turning to become those flowers of our mother earth. The songs themselves are gifts from the land and to the land. We sing of protection. We sing to thank our land for providing knowledge to survive.

I am a mother. My family brought my children into the tribe by walking and singing. Introducing them not only to the people but also to the land that they would learn from. The land that someday they would have the responsibility to take care of.

Clifford Banuelos (Te-Moak Tribe of Western Shoshone), Tribal-State Environmental Liaison, Inter-Tribal Council of Nevada, Inc.

I think of Overland Creek in Ruby Valley, NV. It is the home of my ancestors, the Wadadiki, and each year our family goes there to celebrate life and to teach our young ones about our history, where we come from, how to work with nature, and why we do things our way. We tell stories and cook and eat, and we embrace the power of this special area.

If we don’t do this, our history and knowledge will be lost. Each year something is forgotten because we lose people, and each year we get older, and it’s harder to hike and work, and so we hope the young ones learn and keep the knowledge and remember our stories and why and how we respect the land, water, and air, and the animals and the plants.

Mervin Wright, Jr. (Pyramid Lake Paiute), Executive Director/Co-Chair, Pyramid Lake Fisheries/EPA R9 RTOC

Since time immemorial, our knowledge is based on our ability to adapt to a means of survival. Our land, for which we walk, provides the basic staple to life’s existence: all life. As one of the four elements of life, the connectivity between fire, water, and air to our lands, it maintains our knowledge through a practice of sustenance to balance our need toward our supply of our natural resources. This balance involves humility and respect to maintain an advantage to exist; no more, no less.

Pala Welcome Letter

October 25, 2022

Welcome to the 2022 Tribal EPA Region 9 Conference! The Pala Band of Mission Indians is pleased to once again be hosting the conference under the direction and planning of the Pala Environmental Department.

We are thrilled to finally be convening in Lake Tahoe for the first in-person Tribal EPA Region 9 Conference since 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic has been a challenge for us all and we continue to do everything we can to protect the health and well-being of our communities, elders, families, and children while we return to seeing one another face to face.

As Tribal environmental professionals, we are committed to protecting the health and well-being of our communities. Our non-human relatives and the land, water, and air that nourishes them are critical to our efforts to support Tribal strength and resilience. Our challenges are many: the worsening effects of climate change, temperature extremes, drought, wildfires, poor air quality, invasive pests, hazardous waste, and pollution all threaten our lands and people. Yet, it is Knowledge of the Land – this year’s conference theme – that provides the foundation for Tribal resilience.

We are proud to present this opportunity to come together as a Region, as Tribes, and as individuals to interact with, learn from, and share with our colleagues and friends. We are especially happy to know that we will finally be sharing warm handshakes, hugs, smiles, and laughter with you in person. 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

USEPA Welcome Letter

Dear Conference Participants, Speakers, and Guests:

Welcome to the 30th Annual Region 9 Tribal/EPA Conference. On behalf of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, I wish to extend my sincerest thanks to the conference organizers, the Pala Band of Mission Indians. This event would not be possible without your time and dedication. I also want to recognize the valuable contributions of all the presenters, moderators, and conference coordinators who are endeavoring to make the next three days a very special experience for all of us.

There is a significant and most welcome change to this year’s event, with participants having the opportunity to meet in-person for the first time since 2019. However, with this being convened as a hybrid conference, individuals can choose to participate in the format that works best for them, their schedule, and comfort level with attending a large event such as this.

This year’s conference theme is “Knowledge is of the Land.” Region 9 EPA recognizes the tribal relationships to the land and appreciates the indigenous wisdom of land stewardship that has developed over millennia. We value the opportunity to work in partnership with tribes to support protection of human health and the environment and to celebrate our successes together.

The events this week allow us to deepen our collaboration, strengthen the government-to-government relationship, and evaluate together how to continue forward progress. The Pala Band of Mission Indians conference planning team have put together a robust agenda filled with a wide range of speakers and topics. I am eager to join you all in taking advantage of what the conference has to offer, and to witness the engagement of so many creative and passionate environmental professionals in this forum.

Keynote Speakers

Tribal EPA Region 9 Environmental Protection Agency California Nevada Arizona EPA Martha Guzman

Martha Guzman, Regional Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, Region 9

Martha Guzman was sworn in as EPA Regional Administrator for the nation’s Pacific Southwest Region (Region 9) on December 20, 2021. In this role she is leading EPA efforts to protect public health and the environment for the region spanning Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, the U.S. Pacific Islands territories, and 148 Tribal Nations. Her focus is on advancing President Biden and Administrator Regan’s priorities in the areas of climate change, environmental justice and scientific integrity, and more broadly on achieving progress in making the air, land and water cleaner and safer for the residents of the Pacific Southwest. Notable in a region with a significant Hispanic/Latino population, Guzman is the first Latina to serve as Regional Administrator.

Martha Guzman came to this EPA position after having served as a Commissioner at the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) for the previous five years. Her portfolio included fiscal oversight of utilities, broadband for all, water affordability, access to clean energy programs for disadvantaged communities, and prevention of disconnections of basic utilities. She spearheaded the Interagency Solar Consumer Protection Taskforce, the Tribal Land Policy, and Covid Arrears Response. She also represented the CPUC on the California Broadband Council and the Lithium Valley Commission.

Prior to joining the CPUC Guzman served as Deputy Legislative Affairs Secretary in the Office of the Governor of California, where she worked on the legislative passage of the Human Right to Water and the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, reorganized the Safe Drinking Water Program, and advanced climate goals related to short-lived climate pollutants and renewable energy legislation. Earlier in her career, she was Sustainable Communities program director for the California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation. She also worked for Swanton Berry Farm on human resource issues, and before that, she was the legislative coordinator for United Farm Workers.

Guzman earned a Master of Science degree in Agricultural and Resource Economics from the University of California, Davis, and a Bachelor of Science in International Economics from Georgetown University.

https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/about-regional-administrator-epas-region-9-office-san-francisco

Tribal EPA Region 9 Environmental Protection Agency California Nevada Arizona EPA Chris Frey

Chris Frey, Assistant Administrator for Research and Development, Environmental Protection Agency, Region 9

Chris Frey is the Assistant Administrator for Research and Development effective May 2022. He also serves as the Agency Science Advisor. Before his confirmation, he served ORD as the Deputy Assistant Administrator for Science Policy.

Prior to joining EPA, Dr. Frey was the Glenn E. and Phyllis J. Futrell Distinguished University Professor at North Carolina State University, where he served on the faculty since 1994. His research includes measurement and modeling of human exposure to air pollution, measurement and modeling of vehicle emissions, and applications of probabilistic and sensitivity analysis methods to emissions estimation, risk assessment, and technology assessment. Dr. Frey was an AAAS/EPA Environmental Science and Engineering Fellow in 1992. He served as exposure modeling advisor in ORD’s National Exposure Research Laboratory from 2006 to 2007. He was a member of the EPA FIFRA Scientific Advisory Panel (2004 to 2006), a member of the EPA Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee (CASAC) (2008 to 2012), chair of CASAC (2012 to 2015), and a member of the EPA Science Advisory Board (2012 to 2018). He was a member of the CASAC Particulate Matter Review Panel that was dismissed in 2018: under his leadership, the panel reconvened as the Independent Particulate Matter Review Panel. He was President of the Society for Risk Analysis in 2006.

Dr. Frey has a B.S. in mechanical engineering from the University of Virginia, a master of engineering in mechanical engineering from Carnegie Mellon University, and Ph.D. in engineering and public policy from Carnegie Mellon.

https://www.epa.gov/research/about-assistant-administrator-research-and-development

Byestewa Banquet Speakers

Environmental Protection Agency Dr Michael Kotuwa Johnson

Michael Kotutwa Johnson, Ph.D., Hopi Tribe

Dr. Michael Kotutwa Johnson is a member of the Hopi Tribe in Northern Arizona. Dr. Johnson is an Indigenous Resiliency Specialist with the School of Natural Resources and the Environment and the Indigenous Resiliency Center at the University of Arizona. Dr. Johnson holds a Ph.D. in Natural Resources from the University of Arizona, a Master of Public Policy from Pepperdine University, and a B.S. in Agriculture from Cornell University.

He is also a co-author of the Indigenous Chapter in the National Climate Assessment Five and has works published in academic journals and feature-based articles. His newest initiative is the call for the Restoration of the American Indian Food System based on the stewardship principles of Indigenous conservation.

Dr. Johnson also continues to practice the Hopi dry farming practice of his people for millennia.

Tribal EPA Region 9 Environmental Protection Agency California Nevada Arizona Jessa Calderon

Jessa Calderon, Chumash and Tongva Nations of Southern California (Singer, Song Writer, Emcee (rapper), Poet, and Published Author)

Jessa Calderon is of the Chumash and Tongva Nations of Southern California. Jessa also identifies with her Yoeme and Mexican roots. Jessa is a natural-born singer who truly found her voice in hip-hop. As an emcee, poet, and published author, Jessa is able to share her culture and truth in a way that keeps the crowds intrigued. Not only does Jessa bring pictures to life through the mind’s eye with her writing, but she also brings her listeners enlightenment and healing. Since 2019 Jessa has joined the Dream Warriors collective with Tanaya Winder, Frank Waln, Lyla June, Tall Paul, Mic Jordan, and Gunner Jules. Together they share music, culture, stories, poems, seminars, workshops, and webinars, which equates to healing as a community.

Aside from writing and music, Jessa is also very passionate about Massage Therapy, Energy work, Past Life Regressions, Hypnotherapy, and Intuitive practices.

https://www.jessacalderon.com/

Special Events

Monday, October 24th

Tuesday, October 25th

Wednesday, October 26th

Thursday, October 27th

Sand Harbor Ballroom I-III

RTOC Tribal Caucus
Breakfast at 8:00 a.m.
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

RTOC Plenary
1:00 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.

–

South Shore Showroom

Welcome Networking Reception
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
*Heavy appetizers will be served

South Shore Showroom

Welcome and Opening Ceremonies
Breakfast at 8:30 a.m.
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

–

Emerald Bay/Glenbrook Conference Room

Tribal Leaders’ Roundtable
1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

–
South Shore Showroom

Movie Night: Inhabitants (documentary)
Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
*Popcorn and snacks will be served

Sand Harbor Ballroom I-III

Conner Byestewa Jr. Awards Banquet
7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Sand Harbor Ballroom II

Closing Ceremonies and Raffle
3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
*Must be present to win the raffle

Agenda

The 2022 Tribal EPA Region 9 Conference agenda is available on the Virtual Event Hub. Log in to Accelevents to set up your profile and personalize your schedule by bookmarking the sessions you wish to join.

Feel free to download the 2022 Tribal EPA Region 9 Conference Agenda (.pdf, 3MB) for your records. Go to the Conference: Live 2022 Conference Virtual Event Hub article for detailed information.

Note: The full agenda will be posted to this page upon the conclusion of the conference, with the recording of each session.

EVENT HUB

Recorded Sessions

Go to our Tribal EPA Region 9 Conference YouTube Channel to view the recorded sessions from the 2022 Tribal EPA Region 9 Conference. You will also discover the playlists from previous conferences.

2022 Tribal EPA Region 9 Conference
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

Self-Guided Tours

The Tribal EPA Region 9 Conference will not provide guided tours at the 2022 Tribal EPA Region 9 Conference. However, there are several wonderful places to explore, and we provide information for self-guided tours in the South Lake Tahoe area.

You will find descriptions and maps for Meeks Meadow, Tahoe City Gatekeeper’s Museum, Taylor Creek Boardwalk, and Upper Truckee Marsh on our Travel Page.

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Host

The Pala Band of Mission Indians and the US Environmental Protection Agency are honored to co-host the 2022 Tribal EPA Region 9 Annual Conference, taking place October 25-27, 2022. 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 30th 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, training, 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 will be open through the 2022 Tribal EPA Region 9 Conference Accelevents Event Page. This year we are offering the conference in person in Lake Tahoe, CA, and virtually (online) via Accelevents, a virtual conferencing platform. Features such as registration, agenda management, and contact info will be administered through Accelevents.

Everyone who registers will get full access to the online conference platform through Accelevents. This versatile platform allows you to customize your personal profile, develop a customized conference agenda, engage with other attendees by private message or virtual meetings, visit the virtual exhibit hall, and of course, participate online in any of the conference sessions from plenaries to presentations.

Tribal EPA Region 9 Conference has provided details on registration fees, payments, registration, and refunds below. Please take a moment to read through the information before registering.

Please take a moment to read through the Registration Page before registering.

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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 September 1, 2022.~~ The deadline has passed. We will announce which submissions have been selected by October 1, 2022.

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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 August 31, 2022.~~ The deadline has passed.

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Youth Contest

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 this year’s art contest. We are featuring three age/grade categories: K-5th grade, 6th – 8th grade, and 9th – 12th grade.

Winners in each age/grade category 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 30, 2022.~~ The deadline has passed.

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Vendors

The Tribal EPA Region 9 Conference is seeking vendors of authentic hand-crafted or personally designed Indian arts and crafts.

~~The deadline for applications is September 30, 2022.~~ The deadline has passed.

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Virtual Event Hub

Note: Chrome is the preferred browser to access the event page, virtual event hub, and studio link. However, when using an iPhone or an iPad, Safari might work better.

Go to the Conference: Live 2022 Conference Virtual Event Hub article for detailed information.

EVENT HUB

iOS & Android Apps

The Accelevents iOS and Android apps offer an additional avenue for participation and engagement. Through the apps, you can access live chats, polling, and Q&A, participate in live sessions, access and customize your profile and agenda, configure notifications, and much more.

Please check each listing to ensure that your device is compatible.

iOS Accelevents App

Android Accelevents App

Conner Byestewa Jr. Award 2022 Recipients

The 2022 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 Camilo Perez (Fort Yuma Quechan Indian Tribe), John Flores (San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians), and Mervin Wright, Jr. (Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe).

To learn more about previous recipients, go to the Conner Byestewa Jr. Award page.

Conner Byestewa Jr. Awards Banquet – Camilo Perez, Mervin Wright, Jr., and John Flores October 26, 2022.

Camilo Perez

About

Bio

Attributes

Nominator

Name: Camilo Perez
Tribe: Fort Yuma Quechan Indian Tribe
Title: Pesticide Programs Director
Department: Pesticide Program Department

In 2018, Mr. Camilo Perez began his environmental work with the Fort Yuma Quechan Indian Tribe. Mr. Perez works alone in re-developing the office and the program to his standards. With the job, it requires certain duties to be performed, such as monitoring the use of, application of, and sales of pesticides on the Fort Yuma Quechan Indian Tribal lands and enforcing the Quechan Pesticide Enforcement ordinance and Worker Protection program. As part of enforcement, Mr. Perez utilizes his Quechan Tribal credentials to perform inspections of various Media within the Fort Yuma Quechan Indian Tribal lands, including agriculture at the various farms as well as businesses (tribal, public & private) located within the Community boundaries. With these enterprises, many employ pesticide applicators, and Mr. Perez conducts reviews of these applicators to ensure accordance with the Quechan Enforcement Pesticide Ordinance. In addition, Mr. Perez also teaches tribal members and the general public about pesticide safety through the “Read the Label First” campaign, which explains the proper usage of pesticides and how they can safely apply them in their own homes.

Prior to working at Fort Yuma Quechan Indian Tribe, Mr. Perez worked at Cocopah Indian tribe as an Environmental Manager. .Mr. Perez did coursework at Yuma Community College.

I would like to nominate Camilo Perez for the Conner Byestewa Jr. Wward he currently works for Quechan Indian Tribe and has been employed for four (4) years. Mr. Perez began his employment as an Environmental Manager, and he managed the Gap, Pesticide, and Salt Cedar programs for the Cocopah Indian tribe in Yuma, Arizona. During his time at Cocopah, he was able to start and manage the Salt Cedar program for Cocopah along the Colorado river with little to no funding.

Currently, Mr. Perez is the Environmental director for the Pesticide Enforcement and Worker protection program for the Quechan Indian Tribe. He oversees the Pesticides usage (non-agricultural & agricultural) within his Community and develops environmental ordinances and guidelines; performs environmental enforcement; assists with Indoor Air Quality issues dealing with pesticides; deals with environmental-related complaints; manages the Worker Protection Program and Integrated Pest Management at the Tribal schools; provides environmental outreach and education; works cooperatively with Community members and employees as well as local, Tribal, state, and federal representatives.

Within his career, Mr. Perez served on several local, Tribal, and national environmental committees and working groups, such as the Tribal Pesticide Program Council, National Pesticide Applicator’s Association, Border working groups, and Tribal Emergency Response Committee. Per requests, Mr. Perez has provided presentations locally and nationally on the Community’s environmental Pesticide and Worker Protection programs and specific projects. His vast knowledge and experience within a variety of environmental media and it will be my honor to nominate Mr. Camilo Perez for the Conner Byestewa Jr Award. Mr. Perez is cognizant of the significance of protecting and preserving the environment for generations to come.

Name: Jeremy R Phillips
Tribe: Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community
Title: Senior Environmental Engineer
Department: CDD/EPNR Haz Substances program

John Flores

About

Bio

Attributes

Nominator

Name: John Flores
Tribe: San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians
Title: Director Environmental
Department: Department

John Flores began his career with the San Pasqual Environmental Department as an Environmental Coordinator in 2011. He transitioned to Manager of the San Pasqual Domestic Water Department in 2013 and became Director of the Environmental Department in 2015. John previously held a position with the La Jolla Band of Luiseno Indians in 2006 as the Non-Point Source Coordinator. John has worked in Indian Country for over 16 years on Tribal Environmental, Water, and Waste Water Issues ranging from Water Quality to Water Quantity and Renewable Energy. John holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and U.S. History from the University of California, Berkeley, in 2004. He also received his GIS Certification from Mesa Junior College in San Diego in 2009.

Mr. Flores has shown great leadership in the Tribal Environmental Department, providing resources and opportunities for Tribal staff to thrive and efficiently conduct activities to manage various environmental programs, including the Tribal Water Department. (True Tribal capacity building, hiring San Pasqual Tribal members for management and operations of various departments) Mr. Flores is very passionate and has taken pride in the protection, preservation, and restoration of vital resources on the San Pasqual Reservation. Significant accomplishments include a Renewable energy program and infrastructure to support self-sustainability for the Tribe, development of the Tribal Water Department, and management of Public Water Supply Systems to provide healthy, affordable, safe drinking water for the Tribal community and provide opportunities for Tribal members to acquire credentials and certification as water operators.

Mr. Flores is greatly appreciated by the San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians and has established a rapport with Tribal leadership and the Tribal Community members. Mr. Flores and the San Pasqual Environmental staff also hosted and facilitated many years of Trial EPA Conferences working closely with the U.S.E.P.A. and other Tribes.- Mr. Flores is a true role model providing opportunity, leadership, collaboration, and taking pride in working with the San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians Tribal leadership, Tribal members, and Tribal communities to provide for the protection, preservation, and restoration of Tribal resources while moving in the direction of self sustainability.

Name: John C. Parada
Tribe: Rural Assistance Communities Assistance Corporation, RCAC
Title: Rural Development Specialist, Circuit Rider
Department: RDS Environmental

Mervin Wright, Jr.

About

Bio

Attributes

Nominator

Name: Mervin Wright, Jr.
Tribe: Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe
Title: Executive Director
Department: Pyramid Lake Fisheries

Mervin has a Master of Science in Hydrologic Sciences from the University of Nevada, Reno, and a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Engineering from California State University, Chico. He began serving as the Environmental Manager for the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe in 2015 and is also the Executive Director of Pyramid Lake Fisheries. He served three terms as the Tribal Chairman for Pyramid Lake; two terms as the Tribal Vice Chairman, and two terms as a Tribal Council Member. Mervin has served as the EPA RTOC Tribal Co-Chair since FY 2020. He serves as a Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe representative on the Northern Nevada Water Planning Commission. He has served on a numerous federal committees, national councils, task forces, and working groups, along with tribal committees, commissions, and boards.

Mervin Wright, Jr. is a role model for Tribal environmental professionals from throughout Nevada, the southwest, and the entire country. Not only has he served the Pyramid Lake Paiute through three terms as Tribal Chairman, two terms as Vice Chairman, and two terms as a Tribal Council Member, he also stewards Pyramid Lake’s environment, especially through the protection of the Tribe’s water and fish. On top of his duties for his tribe, he has also committed himself to serve on numerous committees, councils, and task forces at the Tribal, federal, state, and local levels. Mervin has also generously shared his time, patience, and wisdom as the Tribal co-chair for the Region 9 EPA RTOC since 2020. The best part of each RTOC meeting is when Mervin, with his measured, quiet words and dry sense of humor, shares the knowledge and experience that we should all hold close as we do the hard work of Tribal environmental protection. Mervin is truly deserving of this award.

Name: Shasta Gaughen and Lisa Gover
Tribe: Pala Band of Mission Indians
Title: Environmental Director
Department: Pala Environmental Department

Conner Byestewa Jr. Award Artist - Johnny "Bear" Contreras

Johnny “Bear” Contreras (San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians)

Johnny “Bear” Contreras is an accomplished artist and a member of the San Pasqual Band of the Kumeyaay Nation. He is a self-taught sculptor and creator who mixes the traditions of his culture with the contemporary design techniques of modern art. However, he primarily refers to himself as a storyteller, saying, “as the stories have been told to me, I try to continue that path and express them in the best ways I can.”

He has worked with many different media types over his career, including resin, metallurgy, sculpture, and printmaking, to name a few. His work can be found in the City of Poway, Our Lady of Angels Cathedral (Los Angeles, CA); Valley View Casino; USD Campus; UCSD campus; and the Solanus Casey Center (Detroit, MI).

http://www.johnnybearart.com/

Gallery - Johnny "Bear" Contreras

Tribal EPA Region 9 Environmental Protection Agency California Nevada Arizona Conner Byestewa Jr Award Artist Johnny Bear Contreras

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):
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube

Conference

Theme

Meyo Marrufo

Clifford Banuelos

Mervin Wright, Jr.

Pala Welcome Letter

USEPA Welcome Letter

Keynote Speakers

Byestewa Banquet Speakers

Special Events

Monday, October 24th

Tuesday, October 25th

Wednesday, October 26th

Thursday, October 27th

Agenda

Recorded Sessions

Self-Guided Tours

Host

Why Attend

Registration

Submissions

Nominations

Youth Contest

Vendors

Sponsors

Virtual Event Hub

iOS & Android Apps

Conner Byestewa Jr. Award 2022 Recipients

Camilo Perez

About

Bio

Attributes

Nominator

John Flores

About

Bio

Attributes

Nominator

Mervin Wright, Jr.

About

Bio

Attributes

Nominator

Conner Byestewa Jr. Award Artist - Johnny "Bear" Contreras

Gallery - Johnny "Bear" Contreras

Tribal EPA Region 9 Conference

Conference Co-Hosts

Partnership

Additional Information

Social Media