Benedict Receives National Tribal Air Program Excellence Award
May 24, 2016
The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council expressed its congratulations today to Angela Benedict, Environment Division’s Air Quality Program Manager, on receiving the 2016 Virgil Masayesva Tribal Air Programs Excellence Award. Presented at the National Tribal Forum on Air Quality (NTFAQ) held at the Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel in Niagara Falls, New York from May 17-19, 2016; the award recognizes an individual that has shown exceptional dedication and accomplishment in advancing the interests of a tribal air program.
“We extend our appreciation to Angela for the work she has done through her leadership and commitment to the Environment Division’s Air Quality Program,” said Tribal Chief Beverly Cook. “We are pleased that the National Tribal Forum on Air Quality has provided her with the opportunity to exchange ideas and discuss enhancements to tribal air quality programs for the benefit of not just Akwesasne, but all of Indian Country.”
Angela Benedict has served on the National Tribal Air Association (NTAA) Executive Committee since 2002. She was formerly the chairperson for several years and for the past five years has served as the Executive Committee Secretary. She also serves as the Region 2 USEPA NTAA Executive Committee representative.
For 21 years, Angela has been serving the Mohawk community of Akwesasne in the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe’s (SRMT) Water Resources, Solid Waste Management, Environmental Health and Air Quality Programs (AQP). She has been the Air Quality Program Manager since 2001 and worked on getting the SRMT Environment Division’s Tribal Implementation Plan approved through Region 2 USEPA in 2008. Some of her other successes include securing grants for conducting special studies on benzene, fluoride and indoor air quality in Akwesasne, as well as completing the community's climate change adaptation plan.
“We commend Angela for the assorted roles she has served with the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, more recently as the Program Manager of the Air Quality Program,” stated Tribal Chief Ron LaFrance. “Under her direction, she has been able to secure grants and other funding to expand the program’s capabilities to monitor pollutants and maintain air quality in the community.”
Her work with the Tribe’s Air Quality Program entails overseeing the operation of an air quality monitoring station that collects data for the following criteria pollutants: PM, NOx, SO2 and ozone. Samples are also gathered for metals, vegetative fluoride and acid rain (NY22) in conjunction with the National Atmospheric Deposition Program. She also assists individual community members with any indoor air quality issues that may arise.
“Conducting education and awareness programs is an important part of improving the community’s air quality,” said Tribal Chief Eric Thompson. “Niawen:kowa to Angela for working with Akwesasne's local schools, the Akwesasne Boys & Girls Club, and for delivering information and educational sessions at important community events like Wellness Day and Earth Day. We are pleased that your local efforts have been recognized nationally.”
The NTFAQ was coordinated by The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP) and the National Tribal Air Association (NTAA) through funding from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe was a co-sponsor and co-host of the Tribal Forum on Air Quality, along with the Seneca Nation of Indians.
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About the Virgil Masayesva Tribal Air Programs Excellence Award:
Virgil Masayesva was the Director of the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals at Northern Arizona University from it's inception until his passing in 2005. Virgil is commemorated for his leadership, dedication, innovation and commitment to the support of tribal air programs; their creation, development, advancement and ultimate success in promoting tribal sovereignty, tribal culture and tribal environmental protection. This award was developed to recognize and perpetuate continuing contributions to that legacy.
The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council is the duly elected and federally recognized government of the Saint Regis Mohawk People.