Monthly Newsletter
Newsletter
We are doing our part within the larger conversation and show support as we continue asking western institutions and entities to work towards righting the wrongs that continue to perpetuate violence and dispossession to us and other BPOC. Shoutout to our Cree sister Si Pih Ko for her impassioned plea and critique of the Papal visits and the actions taken by the Catholic Church and allies of the church. This shows the success of continued fighting and guidance from our ancestors and future generations.
We have included a link to the Indian Country Today’s article “Papal Visit: Singer at peace after captivating world with protest song” in the read more button below, where you can find her discussing the impact her protest singing in Cree has brought to the issue at large.
We must do our part within the larger conversation and demand accountability and reparations such as land back and other acts of Indigenous resistance.
We stand in true solidarity with our Indigenous relatives and communities in Canada and commit to anti-racist work. CIEA would like to use our platform to denounce anti-Indigeneity perpetrated by settler colonial societies like the U.S., Canada, Australia, and across the globe.
The CIEA office is physically closed until August 31st as part of the ‘shelter in place’ directive. Of course if the situation changes we will have to adjust our plan. We will continue to work remotely and are available via email and through our phone, our messages are checked daily.
Again, we are so happy to be able to provide you with monthly announcements about training, capacity building, Tribal Self-Advocacy and funding opportunities, as well as water related news. Readers are more than welcome to send information about upcoming events, training, or news that you think would be beneficial for other Tribal members in other regions to know to our Communications and Public Relations Coordinator, Joel Sedano at info@cieaweb.org.
August 29 – September 1, 2022, In-Person in St. Paul, Minnesota & Hybrid (online options available)
Registration Deadlines
In-person attendance (Extended): Friday, August 12th, 2022
Virtual attendance: Monday, August 22nd, 2022
Your community to connect with colleagues across the country
as we address Tribal waste and response issues.
This year we’ll meet in-person in Milwaukee and online everywhere.
To register or for more information, please hit the read more button below to be redirected to the TLEF website.
The SWAMP Bioaccumulation Monitoring Program is interested in building relationships with California Native American Tribes and learning about each tribes’ interest and readiness to partner with us.
Background
The Bioaccumulation Monitoring Program works with its many partners to answer the question: Is it safe to eat fish and shellfish in California waters that the public and tribes use for consumption, subsistence, and/or cultural purposes?
The Water Board’s Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) evaluated its Bioaccumulation Monitoring Program and issued a Realignment Plan in December 2020. The Realignment Plan calls for a focus on incorporating Tribal perspectives and needs into its monitoring efforts and ensuring those data and information are useful and used by Californian Native American Tribes (tribes) who rely on waterbodies for traditional, cultural, and subsistence uses. The inclusion of representatives from Tribal governments and/or Tribal advocacy groups in the Realignment process is central to the success of the Program and long-term (10+ year) Realignment effort. Tribal representatives who choose to participate in a future Realignment Process will have the opportunity to highlight priorities and shape the future of the Program in their region so that it better serves their communities.
Tribal Engagement Plan
From March to November 2022, the Bioaccumulation Monitoring Program will be conducting statewide outreach and engagement with tribes that are interested in learning more about the Program or the Realignment process. The main objectives of this Tribal engagement effort are to:
Initiate introductions between Bioaccumulation Monitoring Program staff and tribes.
Explain the Program and Realignment process, and gauge Tribal interest and readiness to participate in future Realignment cycles.
Execute the engagement well in advance of the beginning of the next Regional Realignment cycle (2024) so that tribes have time to make an informed decision regarding their interest and readiness to engage with the Program and participate in future Realignment cycles.
How to Participate
Schedule an introductory meeting with Program staff. Introductory meetings can be short (~30 min) or long (one or more hours), depending on Tribal representatives’ interest and availability.
To schedule a meeting with Bioaccumulation Monitoring Program staff, please complete the Tribal Engagement Interest Form to indicate your interest in connecting with us, your availability to set up a meeting, who should be included in the meeting invitation, and their contact information. There is no deadline to complete the form. The form can be found by clicking the read more button below.
Resources below can be found on the Water Boards website.
Tribal Engagement Plan
Bioaccumulation Monitoring Program Fact Sheet
Realignment Plan Fact Sheet
Realignment Plan Executive Summary
Contact
Anna Holder, SWAMP Bioaccumulation Monitoring Program Coordinator and Realignment Lead, at anna.holder@waterboards.ca.gov (preferred) or 916-341-5096.
The Rising Voices Center for Indigenous and Earth Sciences (Rising Voices) facilitates opportunities for Indigenous and non-Indigenous scientific experts and community leaders from around the world to jointly address how extreme weather and climate events are impacting communities and to develop action plans. Rising Voices aspires to advance science through the collaborations of Indigenous and Earth (atmospheric, social, biological, ecological) sciences, along with an intercultural approach to addressing and understanding extreme weather events.
For more information, please hit the read more button below.
The California Water Boards and the Natural Resources Agency invite you to apply to showcase a cultural practice at the 54th Annual California Native American Day Cultural Heritage Pavilion. The deadline to submit an application to be considered as a cultural practitioner is August 19.
The 55th Annual California Native American Day
Friday, September 23, 2022 – State Capitol – West Steps
“Standing Strong Together”
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Starting in 1939, Native American Day is considered a time-honored tradition in the California Native American community. This is an all-nations event where every tribe, tribal community, and member of the public is welcome. This event is hosted by the California Tribal Chairpersons Association.
The Cultural Heritage Pavilion is an opportunity for cultural practitioners to share cultural practices, wisdom, language, and history with Native American Day attendees. Ten cultural practitioners will be selected to have a table in the Cultural Heritage Pavilion tent and deliver a presentation or demonstration of cultural practices. To apply to be considered as a cultural practitioner, please submit a completed application by August 19. Selected practitioners will be notified by late August. The application can be accessed by clicking this link to a Microsoft form. If you have any trouble accessing the form, please reach out.
Here’s what you can expect as a cultural practitioner:
· Prepare and deliver a presentation to a live audience about a cultural practice.
· Prepare a written description and photo of your cultural practice (if appropriate) or your group to be included in the printed event program.
· Share a spacious tent on the state capitol grounds with nine other cultural practitioners, each with individual tables.
· Set up your table beginning at 7:00 am.
· Receive a small honorarium for your time and expertise.
· The planning committee will respect and value the cultural wisdom and expertise shared.
· The planning committee will provide information to selected practitioners about day-of logistics.
· The planning committee will actively outreach to schools and organizations to encourage active participation and attendance to learn from cultural practitioners.
If you cannot participate, please direct this invitation to other cultural practitioners you believe may be interested in participating. For more information about Native American Day, please visit the Native American Day Facebook Page or californianativeamericanday.com.
Feel free to contact us should you have questions.
Thank you,
Adriana Renteria (she/they)
Director and Tribal Liaison
Office of Public Participation
State Water Resources Control Board
1001 I Street
Sacramento CA 95814
Adriana.Renteria@waterboards.ca.gov
The State Water Board is seeking written comments on an amendment to add the definitions of Tribal Tradition and Culture (CUL), Tribal Subsistence Fishing (T-SUB), and Subsistence Fishing (SUB) to the Central Valley Regional Water Board’s Basin Plans. See below for more information.
The Notice of Availability for Public Comment and Notice of Public Meeting on the Central Valley Water Quality Control Board’s (“Regional Water Board”) final amendment to the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins and Tulare Lake Basin Water Quality Control Plans (collectively the “Basin Plans”) to add the definitions for three new beneficial uses — Tribal Tradition and Culture (CUL), Tribal Subsistence Fishing (T-SUB), and Subsistence Fishing (SUB) (“Basin Plan amendment”) has been posted and can be accessed at: https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/public_notices/notices/notice_r5_tbu.pdf
Comments are due by 12 noon on August 23, 2022.
The State Water Board will consider adopting a resolution to approve the Basin Plan amendment:
Wednesday, September 7, 2022, 9:30 a.m.
Coastal Hearing Room
CalEPA Headquarters Building
1001 I Street, Second Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
and via Video and Teleconference
For additional information, click on the link above to read the Notice in its entirety.
Best,
State Water Board Tribal Affairs Team | waterboards.ca.gov/tribal_affairs
(916) 216-1126 | Tribal-Liaison@waterboards.ca.gov
No registration fee! Join us online or in person!
The 2022 Tribal Exchange Network Conference (October 18-20) aims to expand tribal capacity for environmental data sharing, management, and analysis through informational, interactive sessions that offer:
o Networking opportunities and connections with other professionals
o A showcase of Exchange Network projects and technology tools
o Workshops, demonstrations, and mentoring for tribal professionals
o Discussions on resources, funding opportunities, and technical support
Connections outline
The Tribal EN Conference is now accepting proposals and requests for Presentations and Sponsors/Exhibitors! Sign up now to provide valuable information and connect with attendees.
Caret Down with solid fill
Submit a Session Proposal: https://bit.ly/3zGBVpS
Submit a Sponsorship Request: https://bit.ly/3oA6DuD
This event is designed for tribal staff and program managers working with environmental data, particularly those seeking to leverage technology solutions to streamline their work and enhance their data management capacity. Others who may benefit from attending include state and federal partners, collaborators, and other stakeholders working to support tribal sovereignty to address environmental concerns.
Presented by:
ITEP, TXG, EPA
The Tribal Exchange Network Conference is hosted by the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP) and the Tribal Exchange Network Group (TXG) and made possible by funding from the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA).
The Staff Workshop will be held on August 23, 2022 at 10 a.m. PDT on Zoom. Written comments on the proposed regulations are due by 5:00 p.m. on August 31, 2022.
The public hearing to consider adoption of the proposed regulation is scheduled for September 20, 2022.
For any further information, please click on the link above to read the Notice in its entirety.
The Department of Water Resources (DWR) has released the Proposition 1, Round 2 Proposal Solicitation Package (PSP) to fund IRWM projects. Up to $1.2 Million is available in the Northern Sacramento Valley Integrated Regional Water Management (NSV IRWM) region and another $1.1 million is available to the Mountain Counties Funding Area portion of the region. The NSV wants to know if your project is ready to receive funding. The application will be due February 1, 2023 and projects will be considered for inclusion in the funding application by the NSV TAC in September and by the NSV Board in October.
Please review the PSP and Guidelines to evaluate whether your project is a good fit for this funding opportunity. If you’d like to have it considered for funding by the NSV, please contact your County representative by September 2, 2022 and provide a brief project description and estimated project budget. Eligible projects are listed in the Guidelines document on pages 11-13.
If your project is not yet included in the NSV IRWM Plan, please complete the application and send it to your County representative and to cbuck@buttecounty.net by September 2, 2022. Reach out to your County rep if you have any questions.
The NSV TAC meets on September 21, 2022 and will be considering new projects to add to the Plan and projects to recommend to the NSV Board to include in the application for funding.
County Representatives:
Christina Buck, Butte County; cbuck@buttecounty.net
Lisa Hunter, Glenn County; lhunter@countyofglenn.net
Justin Jenson, Tehama County; jjenson@tcpw.ca.gov
Vacant, Colusa County; contact cbuck@buttecounty.net
Guadalupe Rivera, Sutter County; grivera@co.sutter.ca.us
Charleen Beard, Shasta County; cbeard@co.shasta.ca.us
Best,
Christina Buck
NSV IRWM TAC Chair
Christina R. Buck, Ph.D.
Assistant Director
Dept. of Water and Resource Conservation
Butte County
308 Nelson Avenue
Oroville, CA 95965-3302
Off: 530.552.3593
Cell: 530.864.6057
cbuck@buttecounty.net
The purpose of this message is to announce the California Water Boards and the California Stormwater Quality Association (CASQA) are co-hosting a three-day statewide summit on bacteria from September 14 – 16, 2022, at the CalEPA building in Sacramento (pending applicable COVID restrictions in place at that time).
The purpose of the summit is to identify the priority technical and regulatory actions needed to recreate safely in California’s river and ocean waters, to eat shellfish safely, and the process to implement those actions. In simple terms, we want to work together to identify solutions and actions that will get us to our goals.
AGENDA AND GOALS
The draft agenda (attached) identifies the goals for each day. It is important to emphasize that presentations will provide information to seed additional discussion. The summit will be professionally facilitated, and all in-person attendees will actively be engaged.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND (IN-PERSON)
As the success of the event is contingent upon active engagement and participation, we strongly encourage in person attendance by individuals who are able to contribute and can commit to doing so over the entire three-day event.
HOW TO WATCH THE SUMMIT REMOTELY
There will be a live remote viewing option for anyone whose primary goal is to learn more and stay informed. Please note that remote viewing is a viewing-only option. Participation in the summit requires in-person attendance.
HOW TO REGISTER
Registration opens on a first-come, first-registered basis on August 8, 2022. You will receive another notice with the registration information on August 8.
There may be a reduced capacity for the meeting room due to COVID restrictions, limiting the number of in-person attendees that can be accommodated. We appreciate your patience as we all continue to navigate the evolving COVID considerations. If registrations exceed room capacity, we will create a waiting list for in-person attendance.
QUESTIONS
For any questions regarding the summit, please contact Amanda.Blackwell@waterboards.ca.gov or Christine.Rico@waterboards.ca.gov.
We are pleased to inform you that the San Francisco Bay Water Quality Improvement Fund (SFBWQIF) FY 2022 RFA (also known as ‘request for applications’) AND the BIL-SFBWQIF FY22 RFA (new funding from Congress to build resiliency in underserved communities) are now OPEN. Proposed projects must be within the nine Bay Area counties that drain to San Francisco Bay. Proposals must be submitted through Grants.gov on or before the submission deadline of September 20, 2022 at 9:00pm Pacific Standard Time.
Under the SFBWQIF RFA, EPA is accepting applications for approximately $24 million in grant funding to protect and restore San Francisco Bay watersheds and wetlands. Funding is to support projects in the range of $1- $3 million to focus on water quality results, such as restoration of impaired waters, shorelines and wetlands. Applicants must provide a minimum 50% non-federal match.
Under the BIL-SFBWQIF RFA, EPA is accepting applications for approximately $5 million in grant funding specifically to expand the SFBWQIF’s focus on building climate resilience in underserved communities. Funding is to support projects in the range of $200,000 to $1 million to advance the Biden Administration’s goal of investing in America’s infrastructure and delivering environmental and public health benefits for communities with environmental justice concerns. There is NO match requirement.
You will find the RFAs on our EPA website and on Grants.gov (see link by hitting the read more button below).
Please check our website for upcoming dates of free webinars we will hold to provide detailed review of both RFAs and help answer questions related to submitting an application. This year we also plan to host “Drop-In Q&A” sessions to answer questions specifically about the Grants.gov submission process to support you during the application submission process.
Please forward this announcement to any other interested parties. If you would like your email taken off this mailing list, please let me know by emailing me back.
Contact: Luisa Valiela, US EPA Region 9
Email: valiela.luisa@epa.gov Phone: (415) 972-3400
A listening session on Sept. 7 will seek input from tribes on this new grant opportunity. Another session on Sept. 8 is for all potential applicants and stakeholders. Eligible applicants include U.S. states, tribes, territories, or entities of these governments such as colleges, universities, or intertribal consortia. Eligible applicants may also partner with interested stakeholders. Matching funds will not be required for these grants.
EPA is interested in understanding how these grants can be most accessible and useful to applicants. EPA will also seek additional insight into how funded projects can increase supply and demand for safer, environmentally preferable products, such as those certified by EPA’s Safer Choice program or identified by EPA’s Environmentally Preferable Purchasing program.
During these listening sessions, EPA will pose the following questions to better understand opportunities as well as barriers to potential grant-funded projects:
Which projects would best support the grant’s goals?
How can EPA encourage grantees to partner with other organizations to maximize project impact?
How can EPA encourage projects that will benefit underserved communities?
How can EPA encourage projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions?
What barriers exist to potential applicants of this grant and what can be done to minimize those barriers?
Written feedback on the above questions will also be accepted through Sept. 30 at EPP_SaferChoice_Grants@epa.gov.
Register for the webinars using the following links:
Listening session for tribes and intertribal consortia: Sept. 7, 2022, from 2:00-3:30 p.m. EDT
Listening session for other potential applicants and stakeholders: Sept. 8, 2022, from 1:00-2:30 p.m. EDT
Read more about P2 and the P2 Grant Program.
The National Water Quality Monitoring Council will host its 13th National Monitoring Conference during the week of April 24–28, 2023, at either Hartford, Connecticut or Virginia Beach, Virginia, final location will be released at a future date. All federal, state, tribal and local water professionals, nonprofits, academia, water consultants and industry, and volunteer scientists are welcome at this important national forum. The conference will be offered in a hybrid format primarily in person, including a limited virtual format.
Networking and opportunities to create new relationships will abound for attendees. Whether you seek to develop new skills, learn about the latest technologies, or simply exchange information on a wide variety of topics relevant to water resources, the National Monitoring Conference is for you. Monitoring for water quality/quantity and public and ecological health in all water resources will be represented, including lakes and wetlands, rivers and streams, coastal waters and estuaries, and groundwater. The conference attracts the highest quality professional papers and posters and is a destination conference for many in the field.
Please look for the Call for Session Proposals and Call for Abstracts in Spring and Summer of 2022.
For more information, please hit the read more button to be redirected to their website.
In 2021, EPA’s Office of Research and Development initiated the Wildfire Smoke Air Monitoring Response Technology (WSMART) Pilot, loaning air monitoring technologies to state, local, and tribal air organizations to support supplemental air monitoring in areas affected by wildfire smoke and with observational data coverage gaps.
During 2022, this pilot technology loan program will continue to provide several technology types – including stationary air sensor systems and a compact mobile monitoring system – to state and local air agency monitoring staff and professional tribal air quality staff members upon request.
The equipment is not available for general public use.
For more information and access to the loan request webform, please visit the WSMART website by hitting the read more button below.
For technical questions, please contact smoketech@epa.gov.
To listen to the 3 episodes, 1 featuring CIEA’s Executive Director Sherri, please hit the read more button to be redirected to their Linktree where the episodes and articles and their social media page lives.
The California Indian Environmental Alliance (CIEA) is a well-established, small-sized nonprofit that maintains relationships with a multitude of California Native Tribes, Tribal organizations, non-governmental organizations and agencies across the state.
Our mission is “to protect and restore California Indian Peoples’ cultural traditions, ancestral territories, means of subsistence, and environmental health.” CIEA operates swiftly. Our Tribal partners expect the finest support and representation, and we work hard to exceed their expectations. We are looking for you to join us in supporting Tribal self-advocacy and environmental resiliency.
CIEA is seeking an Executive Assistant with experience and a background in environmental justice. Because our organization works with Tribes in California, those with experience working within Native American communities are preferred. You will be responsible for organizing the
day-to-day activities of our organization while assisting in operational functions in support of the Executive Director (ED). You will assist, oversee, and maintain records for project reporting and deadlines for all of CIEA staff program coordinators. We are looking for someone with 5–10 years of experience who will bring innovation and ideas to enhance our operations and swiftly adapt to a dynamic environment. California Tribal members and/or other Tribal people are highly encouraged to apply. Open until filled. We look forward to meeting you!
Qualifications:
A bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences, political science, Native American Studies, social work, or a related field(s), or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience, is preferred.
2-5 years of experience in grant writing and/or grant management
Preferred candidates will have 3+ years of executive, personal assistant, or program experience.
Preferred candidates will have 2+ years of clerical/administrative experience, staff oversight and/or Human Resources experience.
Required knowledge, skills, and abilities include:
self-motivated, proactive, diplomatic, tactful, confident personality with the ability to be persistent when necessary.
Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Word, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Outlook, Google Drive, QuickBooks, Abode, and Zoom; Experience with HRIS and applicant tracking systems is strongly preferred.
must be extremely detail-oriented.
must operate well in a team environment, maintain a positive attitude, and be willing to work with all team members.
be able to perform job duties with little supervision.
ability to maintain a flexible working attitude while performing job duties under stressful conditions or dealing with complex communications
An excellent understanding of English, both written and verbal, is required.
excellent written and verbal communication skills.
ability to maintain confidential or sensitive information.
flexibility in scheduling, which may include working a limited number of nights and weekends
You must be a creative, high-energy, hands-on professional who can successfully multitask in a fast-paced environment and maintain excellent organizational skills.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Calendar management entails scheduling meetings, calls, and travel on a daily, monthly, and quarterly basis to align with both business and personal schedules.
Communicating with staff and assisting with project management
Managing and completing correspondence in coordination with the Executive Director
Reviewing contract agreements and staff reports
supports the HR team with additional duties and projects as needed.
Assists with receptionist duties and special projects as needed.
Support staff with project management needs.
Answer, screen, route, and initiate telephone calls and use appropriate telephone etiquette.
Prepare reports and/or special projects, which may include data collection from fellow employees, coordination, final copy preparation, distribution, etc.
responsible for filing active and inactive employee documents and files.
Support the ED in responding to phone messages in a courteous and professional
manner within 24 hours of receiving the call.
Become familiar with all CIEA daily functions in order to build them into project reports effectively and accurately.
Effectively coordinate a consistent, integrated, and comprehensive system of communications.
Other duties as assigned
Job Type: Full-time
Experience:
Executive Assistant: 3+ years (Preferred)
Human Resources: 2 years (Preferred)
Program Management: 3+ years (Preferred)
Salary: $28-$33 per hour, DEPENDENT ON EXPERIENCE.
Additional Compensation: Reimbursement for travel, hotel, and food based on state
scale as necessary.
Location: The primary work location is in El Cerrito, CA, with the possibility of some
remote work days each month.
Benefits: ARE NEGOTIABLE
Schedule: day shift, Monday through Friday, and some weekends (8-hour average
shifts, 36 to 40 hours per week)
This Job Is:
This is a good fit for applicants of all ages, including older job seekers and people with
disabilities, who are encouraged to apply. The position is open to applicants who do not
have a college diploma.
The job is open to applicants with gaps in their resume or who have been out of the
workforce for the past 6 months.
Opportunity for growth and advancement
To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume/CV, and a list of professional references (minimum of 3) to info@cieaweb.org.
Berkeley, CA 94702