2010 National Tribal Science Forum

The National EPA-Tribal Science Council co-hosted its second National Tribal Science Forum in partnership with the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians . The 2010 National Tribal Science Forum took place on June 6-10, at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, owned by the tribe and located near the tribal complex in Traverse City, Michigan. The forum theme was "Mother Earth: Indigenous Knowledge and Science to Promote Positive Change."

Tribal environmental staff from across Indian Country, including tribal elders, tribal faculty and students, tribal organizations, and representatives of EPA and other federal agencies participated in the 5-day event. The agenda sought to address a wide range of scientific issues explored in four tracks: Air, Water, Earth, and Healthy Communities. The forum highlighted some of the outstanding scientific research efforts being conducted by tribes, with children’s environmental health and climate change being primary focus areas.

The purpose of the forum was to provide platforms to discuss issues of vital interest to Indian Country and offer opportunities to:

• Showcase tribal science through cutting-edge research and case studies
• Promote native science and highlight progress being made in environmental and health programs on tribal lands
• Share tribal science success stories through presentations, exhibits, and a poster session
• Obtain technical training in high-priority areas identified by tribal governments and Tribal Science Council members
• Network and share knowledge among native scientists and environmental professionals from throughout Indian Country
• Interact with native students and hear their environmental voices

• Forum Agenda (PDF, 5pp., 364KB)
• Presentations
• Forum Summary (PDF, 102pp., 836KB)