Tribe to Host EPA Indian Nation Leaders Meeting
Jul 11, 2013
The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Environment Division is pleased to announce that Akwesasne will be the host site for the 17th Annual Indian Nation Leaders Meeting, scheduled for July 23 – 25, 2013 at the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Resort, located in Akwesasne, N.Y.
This gathering will feature leadership from the Six Nations of New York State as well as the Shinnecock Nation from Long Island, N.Y. These meetings will provide an opportunity for Tribal leadership to address the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on environmental concerns, with focus on environmental impacts of the ecosystem within Akwesasne.
As in previous years, the annual meeting is being planned with Indian Nation input. The meet format will continue to build on the relationships the Region has fostered with the Indian Nations since the initiation of the annual leadership meetings in 1995. It will also allow for consultative meetings on a government – to – government basis with EPA senior management regarding Indian Nation – specific environmental issues and concerns, and meeting to discuss general topics and provide training.
With environmental impacts stemming from GM plants and ALCOA, the Environment Division of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe sees this meeting as an opportunity to press issues that concern the community of Akwesasne. “Our goal is to ultimately protect our land, water and resources,” states Director of Environment, Ken Jock.
Within the three-day agenda, the Environment team will conduct site visits to multiple areas of Akwesasne to showcase its diverse wildlife and wetlands. “To have EPA visit locations within our community is a big advantage for us this year. Sometimes, you need to see the area versus just reading about it in a report,” concludes Mr. Jock.
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For more information contact the Public Information Office at 518-358-2272.