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Water Resource Program (WRP)::
The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals continues to broaden and improve its capability to support the comprehensive development of tribal environmental protection and natural resource management programs. As tribal environmental policies evolve, the need for professional assistance is critical to the continued development of these programs. Located at Northern Arizona University (NAU) ITEP has demonstrated the unique capability to develop and deliver relevant technology based environmental training programs.
ITEP is developing a comprehensive tribal environmental training and education program in Water Resources. The strategy for this program includes a center that facilitates and supports tribal water resource management and protection through training, education and professional development. In effect, ITEP has the capacity to establish and implement a functional water quality-training program for tribes.
ITEP's Water Resources Program meets environmental education and training needs in four basic areas:
- Advancement of tribal environmental programs and personnel through timely, effective and appropriate education and professional training programs,
- Fostering environmental awareness of tribal governments and cultural values;
- Develop training and education programs, which respect tribal sovereignty and;
- Stimulate interest among American Indian students to pursue environmental careers.
The vision for ITEP's establishment of a Tribal Water Resources Training Center is to effectively provide training and outreach for all aspects of water quality management including:
- Water quality and quantity;
- Wastewater collection and treatment;
- Drinking water treatment and distribution;
- Vulnerability and asset management.
The training center is being equipped and structured to provide extensive water resource training and outreach exclusively for tribal environmental programs. Included is technical support service provided in conjunction with existing resources. |
Principle Program Elements
Administrative Structure - The training center is located within ITEP at Northern Arizona University. ITEP employs professional and technical staff to meet tribal training and educational needs.
Training Courses - The development and delivery of courses in tribal water resource management is the most important function of the center. Courses are developed which are specific to tribal training needs.
Technical Support - Proper training that achieves long term improvements of tribal water resources involve onsite technical assistance and support, which can be provided by ITEP, other tribal, federal or state and local experts. The technical support program complements the training courses in that as participants complete training courses; customized technical support can be designed and provided to tribes as needed.
Education Services - It is vital in the development of tribal capacity to generate interest and awareness among American Indian students to pursue careers in environmental science and technology. To engage K-12 teachers and students in math, science and technology education, including research activities such as project GLOBE. ITEP has established cooperative agreements with institutions involved in water education programs such as Partnerships in Environmental Technology Education (PETE) and Air and Waste Management Association (A&WMA). This effort seeks to promote community based water education programs, which involve K-12 schools and the community in outreach and education services.
Operator Certification - Beginning 2004, the Training Center will offer tribal water and wastewater facility operators the opportunity to become certified at various levels. An agreement is currently established with existing tribal and state certification authorities to offer a certification exams following completion of a water and wastewater training courses. Additionally, the Training Center offers Personal Development Hour (PDH) credits or Continuing Education Unit (CEU) certificates to training course participants to fulfill operator certification renewal requirements.
Contact:
ITEP, 928/523-9555, ITEP@nau.edu
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