Southwest Adaptation Forum 2024 and the IRes Resilience Awards
The Southwest Adaptation Forum (SWAF) is the biennial gathering of practitioners, professionals, research, and community members who are working to accelerate effective climate adaptation and reduce the impacts of climates change in communities and landscapes across the Southwest.
The Southwest Adaptation Forum occurred on February 27th through the 29th, 2024 in Tucson, Arizona. This conference offered a variety of peer-to-peer learning, breakout discussions, short presentations, panel discussions, field trips, and networking opportunities.
In conjunction with the Southwest Adaptation Forum, The Indigenous Resilience Center honored four individuals at the Indigenous Resilience Awards. These four individuals are Amy Juan, Clifford Pablo, Ray Martinez, and Dr. Selso Villegas, all who exemplify great service to their communities.
The Honorees;
Amy Juan is a member of the Tohono O’odham Nation belonging to the communities of Comobabi, Ali Cukson, and Wecij Oidag. Juan, has worked closely with traditional medicine and food in various programs including climate change adaptation.
Clifford Pablo is a member of the Tohono O’odham Nation from the community of Wa:k. Pablo has been working with the Tohono O’odham Community College Agriculture program to teach and learn about agriculture and the environment. Pablo has been working to preserve his culture, environment, and precious water resources while adapting to the changing world around him.
Ray Martinez is a member of the Pueblo de San Ildefonso. Martinez has worked with the Department of Environment and Cultural Preservation for the past 20+ years. Martinez is prioritizing continuous monitoring of the Chromium Plume and providing accurate and frequent communication to Pueblo residents and Tribal Council.
Dr. Selso Villegas is a member of the Tohono O’odham Nation. Dr. Villegas graduated from the University of Arizona with a Master’s in Wildlife and Fisheries Science, and his PhD dissertation was on environmental contaminants. Dr. Villegas has spent the last 25 years working in executive positions in Natural and Water Resource Management for his tribe.
Congratulations to the recipients of the Indigenous Resilience Awards, we look forward to the next year!