Mission and Goals

"In a manner consistent with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Indian Policy and trust responsibility, the mission of the Tribal Science Council (TSC) is to provide a forum for interaction between Tribal and Agency representatives of mutual benefit and responsibility to work collaboratively on environmental scientific issues. The Council addresses a wide range of scientific issues, including research, monitoring, modeling, information, technology, and training in Indian Country. To support the subsistence, cultural, and ceremonial lifestyles of Indians and the safe use and availability of a healthy environment for present and future generations, the TSC is committed to the development of sound holistic, integrated, and cross-media scientific approaches. The relationship between the Tribes and EPA in the TSC will not substitute for, but rather augment, the government-to-government relationship between EPA and Tribal governments."

- Endorsed by the Tribal Operations Committee, July 2000

The Tribal Science Council seeks to:

• Develop a better understanding of the priority science issues of tribes from across the nation and EPA's ability to address these issues and consider them as part of its formal planning process.

• Reach consensus on collaborative approaches for addressing priority scientific issues.

• Share EPA scientific products or activities that could help address the priority scientific issues of tribes.

• Promote partnerships between tribal and EPA scientists in the development and application of sound science.

• Facilitate the communication and coordination with other Agencies and organizations to more effectively respond to issues.