A new EPA program launched this week is hoping to offer support for higher education research aiming to solve tribal environmental problems. The new EcoAmbassadors program will be accepting applications through July 29.
Here’s the link for more information about the program, or to apply.
Here’s the press release from the EPA:
WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency launches the pilot year of its Tribal EcoAmbassadors program, which funds research at Tribal Colleges and Universities to address environmental and health issues affecting their communities.
EPA’s EcoAmbassadors program helps professors, students and community leaders to bring environmental improvements to their schools or neighborhoods.
JoAnn Chase, EPA’s Director of the American Indian Environmental Office, met with the Tribal Environmental Managers Partners Workshop and representatives from TCUs to introduce the new initiative and open the application process.
“Building stronger tribal partnerships and cleaning up our communities are two of our top priorities,” she said. “Launching Tribal EcoAmbassadors forms an effective partnership where the tribal community can direct EPA resources to the most pressing environmental problems they face, and to start developing solutions.”
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The Navajo Nation police and federal authorities have charged one man in the shooting death of a tribal officer as they continue their investigation of the incident together.
Sgt. Darrell Curley, an almost 30 year veteran of the force, was killed after Victor Bigman, 48, of Kaibeto, Ariz., fired shots at Curley as the officer attempted to subdue Bigman’s fighting sons.
Bigman fired four shots, according to the Associated Press, Curley fired several as well before he fell. Bigman remains in a hospital.
Johnson Bigman, 25, and Tyson Bigman, 21, pleaded not guilty Monday to tribal charges of disorderly conduct, homicide, accomplice to aggravated assault and criminal nuisance. They remain in tribal custody pending a Friday bail hearing in Tuba City.
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The FBI and the Navajo tribe have concurrent jurisdiction when both the suspect and victims of an alleged crime are American Indian. Tribal authorities can prosecute only misdemeanors that typically carry far lighter sentences than federal convictions. Victor Bigman faces life in prison if convicted on the federal charge.
The Arizona Department of Public Safety assisted in the investigation because the shooting involved a police officer.
Jenna Cederberg