Listening to Tribes and understanding Tribal priorities drives our programs and services we offer.

Join Us

Are you interested in joining the TWAR SC family? Applications to be considered for the Steering Committee open every August (with an application deadline in October). You can click here to see a sample application, which will explain in detail the requirements as well as let you know what we are looking for in potential members.

Serving on the TWAR SC brings a lot of benefits. You not only have the opportunity to make a real difference, but you also get to work with (and even learn from) some truly amazing people who also work to protect Native lands and communities. And you will have fun! For example, every month we hold a TeaWAR Time virtual social hour, where you can just unwind and chat with your fellow members about non-work related things.

Members also have a variety of responsibilities, not just to the committee but also to each other. Members need to commit to attending at least four virtual meetings a year, two in person meetings (one in Washington DC where they meet with US EPA colleagues and work on their Priority Document), and attending the Tribal Lands and Environment Forum (TLEF) in August. Members often help their Tribal colleagues by being mentors and listening to their concerns, and network with other Tribal Partnership Groups on issues of mutual concern. Committee members also assist ITEP staff in putting on the annual TLEF.

We are always looking for people who are willing to roll up their sleeves and help colleagues doing such vital work. If you work for a federally recognized Native Nation, an Alaskan Native Village, or an Alaskan Native organization, and you are interested in working with a dynamic, innovative, and highly dedicated group – then consider applying! Please keep in mind that the application process is competitive. A selection team carefully looks over every application. If you are not selected the first time don’t let that deter you from applying again!

On this site you will find information about the TWAR SC members and their work. We also have some testimonial videos from members who will tell you, in their own words, what it means to them to serve on the TWAR SC. Please have a look around and reach out to us with any questions you may have.

TWAR Steering Committee: Why I Serve

Video description: Rebecca Stevens, of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, and Rob Roy, of the La Jolla Band of Luiseño Indians, discuss the Priority Document and what inspires them to work on the Tribal Waste and Response Steering Committee.

CONNECT WITH US

Todd Barnell
Program Manager
Todd.Barnell@nau.edu

Julie Meikowski
Assistant Manager
Julie.Meikowski@nau.edu

Amanda Kapp
Program Coordinator, Sr.
Amanda.Kapp@nau.edu

Your tax deductible donation supports ITEP’s programming efforts.
Please contact us if you would like to contribute to our endowment or for any additional information regarding donations.

Rebecca Stevens

Chair

Coeur d’Alene Tribe – Idaho

Program Manager/Restoration Coordinator
Working with the Tribe since: 2005

Rebecca is the Program Manager for the Tribe’s Natural Resources Department-Hazardous Waste Management Program. She also serves the role as the Restoration Coordinator with the Restoration Partnership. Rebecca has been working on water quality related issues for over 19 years. She represents the Tribe in the Bunker Hill Mining and Metallurgical Complex Superfund Site working with EPA while implementing their remedy for the Basin. She is also the Tribe’s Restoration Coordinator for the Restoration Partnership for which all Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) claims have been settled and on the ground restoration work has been underway since 2019. Rebecca continues to work with other Tribes on NRDA issues while coordinating with the US DOI, USDA, and the State of Idaho.

Rebecca is a proud member of the Tribal Waste and Response Steering Committee where she also serves on the Tribal Superfund Work Group and Advisory Council. Rebecca enjoys x-country skiing in the winter, summertime water sports, Frisbee golf, and spending time with her friends, family, and blue heeler. Rebecca is very honored to work for the Coeur d’Alene Tribe and is proud to be a part of restoring natural resources in the Coeur d’Alene Basin.

Rebecca can be reached by e-mail at rstevens@cdatribe-nsn.gov.

National Tribal Forum on Air Quality

The National Tribal Forum on Air Quality (NTFAQ) aims to support tribal programs by fostering information-sharing and networking opportunities that are focused on building tribal capacity in air quality management. The event’s agenda is driven by tribal input and priorities, with a focus on increasing tribal engagement in air quality initiatives that are relevant to tribal communities across the nation.