TRIBAL SCIENCE COUNCIL SESSION - Summary of Conference Future Tribal Science Priorities and Goals

National EPA-Tribal Science Council Dave Nelson, Tribal TSC Co-chair (Cheyenne River Sioux) Roland Hemmett, Agency TSC Co-chair (EPA Region 2) Presentation Outline: Who We Are Tribal Science Priorities Tribal Traditional Lifeways: Risk Assessment and Health & Well Being In Conclusion National EPA-Tribal Science Council 2 Why the TSC was formed … Formation requested by National Tribal Caucus in 1999 Provide a cross-Agency forum to discuss national tribal priority science issues Identify the most appropriate ways to address these issues Coordinate with the National Tribal Caucus to integrate science priorities into the Agency’s annual planning and budget process National EPA-Tribal Science Council 3 Who We Are … Scientists educated in Western Science and also in Tribal Traditional Knowledge A group vital to understanding and addressing Tribal science issues, in order to protect the health of Tribal communities National EPA-Tribal Science Council 4 How TSC Operates Tribally driven Collaborative effort Cross-Agency consideration National EPA-Tribal Science Council 5 Addressing Tribal Science Priorities through the TSC EPA (Programs, Regions, ORD) Tribal Priorities EPA may provide additional input to the TSC based on input from their own advisory committees The TSC directs priorities to appropriate Programs, Regions, or ORD and develops collaborative approaches to addressing scientific issues of importance to the Tribes. Tribal Science Council Tribal Caucus endorses national set of tribal priorities TSC Membership: Tribal RTOC Representatives (1 from each Region) EPA Program Offices EPA Regions EPA ORD Tribal Caucus Input from the Tribes Tribal TSC rep in Region Tribal TSC rep in Region Tribal TSC rep in Region Tribal TSC rep in Region Tribal TSC rep in Region Tribal TSC rep in Region Tribal TSC rep in Region Tribal TSC rep in Region Tribal TSC rep in Region National EPA-Tribal Science Council Tribal Priorities The Tribal representatives to the TSC work together to develop a set of tribal science priorities for TC endorsement. Tribal representatives to the TSC work within their RTOCs and EPA Regions to identify tribal science priorities. 6 National Tribal Science Priorities National EPA-Tribal Science Council 7 National Tribal Science Priorities Development of the Priorities Tribally-driven process National level priorities Purpose: Understand tribal issue and related EPA activities Develop collaborative solutions Consider in Agency’s planning process National EPA-Tribal Science Council 8 Tribal Traditional Lifeways Tribal Traditional Lifeways Tribal Traditional Lifeways Habitat Loss Contaminated Precipitation Biological Stressors Environmental Triggers for Respiratory Distress Pharmaceuticals in Wastewater Dioxin and Dioxin-like Compounds Persistent Bioaccumulative Toxics Source Reduction Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals Tribal traditional lifeways encompass the unique cultural, spiritual, economic, and language practices pursued by tribal communities. The term is meant to replace “subsistence”. Described as an “umbrella” issue. National EPA-Tribal Science Council 9 National Tribal Science Priorities Priorities Endocrine disrupting chemicals Dioxin and dioxin-like compounds Persistent bioaccumulative toxics source reduction Pharmaceuticals in wastewater Habitat loss Environmental triggers for respiratory distress with special emphasis on mold Contaminated precipitation Biological stressors National EPA-Tribal Science Council 10 National Tribal Science Priorities Considerations for each Priority “Risk” – exposure and impact Education Research Environmental Justice Restoration National EPA-Tribal Science Council 11 Next Steps Work internally with Program Offices and ORD to address the issues and concerns raised in the Priorities paper. This will be done by involving the EPA Program Office TSC rep with the Program Office Tribal Coordinator to discuss relevant priorities. National EPA-Tribal Science Council 12 Tribal Traditional Lifeways: Risk Assessment and Health & Well Being National EPA-Tribal Science Council 13 Tribal Traditional Lifeways Background Identified tribal traditional lifeways as an important, overarching issue by TSC Tribal reps Conducted workshops to explore the topic and gather issues and ideas from tribal representatives and risk practitioners : Risk Assessment and Health and Well Being (February '03) Health and Well Being (May '03) Addressing Tribal Traditional Lifeways in EPA’s Risk Assessment Policies and Procedures (January ‘05) Developed paper summarizing information of tribal representatives and risk practitioners National EPA-Tribal Science Council 14 Tribal Traditional Lifeways Decision Making Processes Tribes assert that EPA’s current environmental decision-making processes are not protective of tribal resources and lifeways. Current risk scenarios and risk factors are geared toward urban settings in the United States and do not consider tribal traditional lifeways. Risk management solutions identified from the current risk assessment methodologies often force tribes to alter activities that are core to their existence. Integrate tribal traditional lifeways into EPA’s current risk assessment policies and procedures Develop a new concept for environmental decision making that EPA can consider---focusing on human and ecological health and well-being Tribes request that EPA: National EPA-Tribal Science Council 15 Tribal Traditional Lifeways Overview of Issue Short term: Integrate Tribal Traditional Lifeways into EPA’s current risk assessment policies and processes Long term: Develop a new paradigm for EPA consideration that focuses on human and ecological well-being National EPA-Tribal Science Council 16 Tribal Traditional Lifeways Short term: Integrate Tribal Traditional Lifeways into EPA’s current risk assessment Increase Educational Opportunities for Tribes on EPA’s Risk Assessment Process Risk assessment Paradigm Risk Communication Risk Ethics and informed consent Educating EPA on Tribal Values and Culture Outreach and Involvement of Tribes Tribal Consultation Formal Agreements Regarding Decision making Tribal Resource Involvement Valuation of Natural Resources National EPA-Tribal Science Council 17 Short term: Integrate Tribal Traditional Lifeways into EPA’s current risk assessment Data Collection and Use Incorporate Tribal Traditional Knowledge Incorporate Qualitative Data Appropriate Data Collection from Tribal Sites Data Ownership and Confidentiality Quality Assurance of Tribal Data National EPA-Tribal Science Council 18 Short term: Integrate Tribal Traditional Lifeways into EPA’s current risk assessment Unique Tribal Exposures Tribes represent relatively small populations Tribes are tied to a fixed land and resource base Tribes possess unique dietary, religious and cultural practices Need to include more sensitive populations in risk assessment Demonstrate care when developing “Tribal default Values” Develop tribal exposure scenarios Incorporate qualitative versus quantitative tribal impacts National EPA-Tribal Science Council 19 Long Term Issue Develop a new paradigm Incorporate a Health-based Focus Focus on Risk Prevention Incorporate Cumulative Impacts Tribal Traditional Lifeways Create a Holistic Paradigm---One that Incorporates Impacts to Community Health, Integrate Culture, Lifeways, Well-being and the Environment Include Health and Wellness Indicators Use a Cross-Media Approach Reflect the Precautionary Principle Recognize that for Some Tribes, a “Zero Contamination Policy” Exists Work with Tribes on a Government-to-Government Basis National EPA-Tribal Science Council 20 Summary In Conclusion Tribal Science Priorities Identify and share information concerning similar Agency efforts Incorporate needs into budget planning process Identify and support the involvement of appropriate Agency groups to consider Tribal Traditional Lifeways issues in Agency decision making Support participation of Agency and Tribal staff Tribal Traditional Lifeways Issue Paper Tribal Science Conference National EPA-Tribal Science Council 21 Informational Resources EPA’s Science and American Indians website provides information on: National EPA-Tribal Science Council Science Topics Announcements – Events, News, Funding Opportunities Distribution of bi-weekly electronic newsletter with recent information http://www.epa.gov/osp/tribes.htm National EPA-Tribal Science Council 22