Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
processed more than 10 million pounds of solid waste material. The Backhaul
Program is an example where grant funding (mostly from the U.S. EPA (Environ-
mental Protection Agency and the State of Alaska) and public and private
partnerships have helped with the efforts of waste removal that directly impact the
wellness of Indigenous communities.
The YRITWC also has a Science Department, which adopts an observation-
based program referred to as “traditional science”. “Traditional science” as
defined by the YRITWC is guided by “long-term observations of Traditional
Ecological Knowledge (TEK) into particular focus areas” (YRITWC, 2013). For
example, they apply what Indigenous scholar Shawn Wilson (2008) refers to as
the “Indigenous Research Paradigm”. They further describe this focus as using:
TEK to guide focus areas, form strong relationships within communities, train
technicians, and build local capacity for Indigenous Peoples to execute their
natural liberty as sovereign people. We live in the moment, striving towards
a goal that is not solely defined by measurements and calculations, but rather
enhanced by their combination with traditional knowledge. Our survival is
intimately linked to the condition of the natural world and we believe in living
respectfully with the life around us.
(YRITWC, 2013)
These approaches are similar to those seen in Salish Sea Basin, the Great Lakes
Basin, and the Yuquot Territory (explored in
Part Two).
The fourth department focuses on capacity-building and support for individual
communities. The Circuit Rider program is a U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency funded program, which provides support to tribal communities. The
YRITWC (2013) identifies the following as services:
•
Grant Writing Management and Grant Writing Assistance in group
training and/or one-on-one local intensive training. These training sessions
will/may include grant writing approaches, grant reporting requirements,
grant tracking approaches, assurance of timely grant reporting, how to
submit grant revisions, and we will provide assistance in grant extensions.
•
Tribal Council/Board training, which may cover Council responsibilities,
administrative oversight, financial oversight, fiscal responsibility and
reporting, in addition to ongoing planning.
•
Bookkeeping and accounting support services to tribes in need of intensive
support. Support services will include review of software being utilized
for recording, audit preparation needs, internal bookkeeping systems,
checks and balances, and reading budget vs. actual and profit and loss
statements.
•
Facilitation of tribal government strategic planning sessions when possible.
These sessions will produce visual strategic plans focusing on administrative
and financial needs. Planning will involve: Council members, Tribal
Administrators, Environmental Directors, and Bookkeepers.
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