2024 Conference

The 2024 Tribal EPA & U.S. EPA Region 9 Conference theme is TBD.

The Viejas Band Of Kumeyaay Indians and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency are honored to co-host the 2024 Tribal EPA & U.S. EPA Region 9 Annual Conference, taking place October 22-24, 2024. Under the direction of the Viejas 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. 

The Tribal EPA & U.S. EPA Region 9 Annual Conference has been the must-attend annual event for Region 9 Tribes since it began in 1993. Now in its 32nd 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 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 & U.S. EPA Region 9 Annual Conference.

Registration will be open through the 2024 Tribal EPA & U.S. EPA Region 9 Conference Accelevents Event Page. This year we are offering the conference in person in Alpine, 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 & U.S. EPA Region 9 Conference has provided details on registration fees, payments, registration, and refunds below. Please take a moment to read through the registration page before registering.

The 2024 Tribal EPA & U.S. EPA Region 9 Conference agenda is TBD.

The Tribal EPA & U.S. 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 & U.S. 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.

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 & U.S. 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 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 & U.S. 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.

Recipients of the 2024 Conner Byestewa Awards TBD.

The Tribal EPA & U.S. EPA Region 9 Conference is grateful to all our generous sponsors for supporting the 2024 Tribal EPA & U.S. EPA Region 9 Annual Conference, taking place October 22-24, 2024.

Black Oak Sponsors

Valley Oak Sponsors

Live Oak Sponsors

White Oak Sponsors

Acorn Sponsors