Conner Byestewa Jr. Award

Brian’s leadership has been instrumental in guiding the ITCA’s environmental programs. Brian worked for the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, the US EPA, and ITCA. His expertise in many areas of the environment have been beneficial to Tribes and he has served as a resource connecting government leaders to Tribal staff, inviting former Directors from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality and Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs, and Associate Administrators to the EPA to address Tribal Environmental Matters.
Brian’s work has had a significant impact on the communities he serves. His efforts to promote sustainable waste management practices have helped to protect the environment and improve public health. He has made contacts with private businesses and consultants who have been willing to do business with Tribes by conducting hazardous waste, completing emergency response plans, conducting table top exercises and bringing Hazardous Waste Operator and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER), Incident Command Systems (ICS), and HAZMAT training. By building partnerships and securing funding, Brian has ensured that Tribal communities have the resources to address environmental challenges. In addition, Brian has served as the secretary and coordinator for the Indian Country Intelligence Network (ICIN) for the past five years.

Heidi has worked for the Pala Environmental Department (PED) for 19 years. She is the longest-serving member of PED, and her value cannot be overstated. She is responsible for the water quality program on top of being PED’s second in command, but her imprint is felt throughout the department and the Pala community. Heidi’s passion for environmental protection is limitless. She started PED’s community garden, does community outreach on drought preparedness, native plant gardening, composting, recycling, water quality, and so much more. She was a founding member of the San Luis Rey Watershed Council, where she worked tirelessly on watershed protection. Beyond Pala, Heidi is an amazing communicator at Tribal meetings, conferences, and organizations. She presents on everything from community outreach to HHW to how to run a transfer station. She is a resource to Tribes all over Region 9 and beyond and gives of her time and knowledge generously and selflessly. PED would be lost without her!

Dallas Smales is the Environmental Director for the South Fork Band of the Te- Moak Tribe of Western Shoshone Indians of Nevada, a position she has held for 15+ years as well as life experience in relation to Mother Earth, being exposed and educated from her maternal grandparents who raised Dallas and her 3 brothers on the South Fork Band Reservation. Dallas is passionate about the natural environment and is constantly focused on improving the conditions on and around the South Fork Band Reservation.
Dallas has brought federal, state, county, Tribal, and local agencies as well as mining industries together to collaborate on what is in the best interests of a healthy ecosystem for all.
In her position as the Environmental Director, Dallas oversees several environmental programs that she established, with the exception of the NPS-319 Base (her nephew Jacob Tybo obtained), this includes but not limited to; GAP, CWA-106, NPS-319 Base, NPS-319 Competitive, Water Management (BIA), Rangeland Management (BIA), Invasive Weeds Program (BIA), Community Hoop House, SFB Firewood Bank, Wildlife Water Project (NAFWS) as well as collaborating with EQIP/Conservation Programs (NRCS), USDA- Efficient Agricultural Programs (FSA), in promoting healthy lifestyles for the South Fork Band assignment holders and community.
When Dallas is not in her role of Environmental Director, she is working on her cattle ranch which basically is a 24/7 job. She continues her maternal grandparent’s legacy, alongside her husband Jim until his passing December 2023, on the ranch her grandparents established in 1938, on the South Fork Band Reservation with the assistance of her son Brandon, daughters Nocona and Jessi as well as her 5 grandchildren who all help on the ranch.
Dallas’ favorite quote –
“The Earth does not belong to us. We belong to the Earth.” – Chief Seattle