Recapping the 2025 Tribal Environmental Health Forum

This Tribal Environmental Health Forum is the first that I’ve attended, and it has set a great precedent for future events we’ll be putting together. I started with the Southwest Environmental Health Center (SWEHSC) in January as assistant director of the Community Engagement Core (CEC), and one of the things I did the first week was attend the first planning meeting for the Tribal Forum. I felt completely out of my depth as I met so many new people, tried to wrap my head around my position and that of SWEHSC, and tried to understand what the purpose of the Tribal Forum was. I was immediately put at ease by the fact that several passionate Tribal environmental professionals were part of the planning team, such as Mr. Roman Orona and Mr. Manny Gomez. I knew that this event would reflect the needs of various Tribal communities throughout the state. 

Our SWEHSC CEC team worked closely with the planning committee over the next several months to work out the many details and logistics that are required for putting together a successful event. I am very grateful for Mr. Danny Sestiaga Jr. and the crew at the Indigenous Resilience Center for having such an eye for detail and for taking the lead on the planning efforts this year. This event has been specifically requested by the community, and it would not have been possible without all the time and effort from everyone on the planning team.

We were lucky to have Chairman Gabriel Lopez of the Ak-Chin Indian Community kick off the event on May 6. Dr. Karletta Chief, PhD, the director of the Indigenous Resilience Center, and Mr. Roman Orona, an Environmental Programs Manager at Ak-Chin Indian Community, completed opening remarks that helped contextualize the event. With 22 federally recognized tribes in the state of Arizona, tribal lands account for 28% of the land base. Tribal communities are often rural and have distinct needs and priorities, as well as distinct challenges. Dr. Chief’s research has focused on water resource management in Tribal lands, and she helped document the impacts of the Gold King Mine spill in the Navajo Nation that occurred in 2015. Mr. Orona emphasized the importance of Tribal governments to take the lead on their own environmental health priorities. This is the only way to ensure the health and safety of indigenous communities regardless of shifts in federal policies. 

Ms. Amy Juan, the administration manager of the San Xavier Cooperative Farm (SXCF), was the keynote speaker of the day. The SXCF is an exemplary organization that has taken on their tribal food sovereignty in a very direct way. The SXCF is made up of allotments that belong to the O’odham community in the San Xavier District, a responsibility they take seriously in their overarching mission to grow healthy and culturally relevant foods. Their work in seed preservation, traditional foraged desert crops, and natural growing practices are an excellent vehicle for community education and outreach. The consistent youth and local community engagement ensures new generations of environmental stewards and reflects a project with true community buy-in. 

This was followed by a panel of Tribal environmental professionals, including  Dr. Sarah Abney of the Hopi Water Resources Program, Mr. Alvin Crook of the Hualapai Tribe Water Resources Program, and Ms. Graviela Olivas of the Salt River Pima – Maricopa Indian Community Air program. They discussed the power Tribes have in setting their own water and air quality standards to ensure overall health. Dr. Marti Lindsey and Mr. Benjamin Richmond of the University of Arizona then led the room in an interactive activity focused on clear communication of scientific information to the public. Being able to share scientific research, standards, or other environmental topics with your community in an accessible and culturally relevant way is key to keeping them engaged in the work. 

We hosted a poster session and resource fair featuring research by Tribal University of Arizona students, as well as various organizations that serve Tribal communities. These included the San Carlos Apache Tribe Department of Environmental Protection, the Tohono O’odham Nation Environmental Protection Office, IRes, SWEHSC/BRISA Center for the Environment, the American Indian Health - Area Health Education Center (AIH-AHEC), the Inter-Tribal Council of Arizona, Arizona Poison And Drug Information Center, the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP-NAU), the San Xavier Allottees Association, and the Admissions Department at Grand Canyon University. We also had a listening session for the Southwest Center on Resilience to Climate and Health on excessive heat issues in Tribal communities. Mr. Eric Shin of Nalwoodi Denzhone Community, Mr. Tito Romero of Flowers and Bullets, and Ms. Marcela Tayaba of Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians, all gathered for a food sovereignty panel. They reflected on the intersection of food sovereignty and environmental and human health, and how the work they do can create opportunities in rural Tribal areas. With a background in agriculture, this was a panel I found particularly engaging. 

Our second plenary session was the formidable Ms. Cheyenne Kippenberger of the Seminole Tribe of Florida, who discussed the role and responsibility that Tribal nations have in protecting key ecosystems. Finally, we wrapped up the day with an inspiring panel focused on the next generation of environmental stewards, featuring Mr. Ruben Aguirre, Ms. Jordania Livingston of SWEHSC, Mr. Tossi-masso Molina, Ms. Kii’yaa’nii Ross, and Ms. Georgie Pongyesva. All these advocates work in their community to address environmental health issues and to mobilize young people to take control of their future. 

The second day of the forum was focused on trainings and increasing capacity of everyone who was present. Mr. Mansel Nelson of the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals of Northern Arizona University taught participants about indoor air quality and monitoring. He flagged common issues found in schools and daycares and outlined clear actionable items individuals can take to improve indoor air quality in their own homes and workplaces. Ms. Christy Sangster-Begay shared information on a collaboration between Tribal environmental departments and Indian Health Services to address septic system challenges and ways to improve sanitation infrastructure. Ms. Africa Dorame-Avalos reviewed common pesticides and how to use them safely, helping participants understand labels and mitigate risks when utilizing them. We finished the day off with a tour of the Ak-Chin Indian Community Wastewater Treatment Plan to see environmental management in action. 

I was grateful to spend two days surrounded by passionate individuals who are committed to Tribal environmental health. This is a complicated topic that overlaps with social, economic, and environmental issues. We need individuals, professionals, researchers, and community organizations from many backgrounds to address the needs of Arizona’s Tribal communities. I believe the 2025 Tribal Environmental Health Forum was an excellent opportunity to mobilize, share resources, and continue this important effort. I look forward to seeing you all in 2027!