Tribal Colleges and Universities National Facilitation Project for
Increasing Tribal Involvement in the Water Quality Network

This Project is funded for four years as a National Facilitation Project. National Facilitation Projects coordinate programs that contribute to an increase in public understanding and involvement in community decision-making for improved water resources issues.

Situation

Water is a central and essential part of tribal community culture, history, and economic future. Tribal College and University (TCUs or 1994 Land Grant Institutions) participation in the UDSA-CSREES National Integrated Water Quality Program has been limited, though many institutions, Tribes, and reservations they serve are very affected and active in water issues. The purpose of this National Facilitation Project will initiate inclusion of the TCUs and tribal communities with the USDA-CSREES National Integrated Water Quality Program to address serious water resources issues existing in Indian Country.

Objectives

water quality & oystersThis project will facilitate the formation of a nationwide collaboration of TCUs' Extension, Education, and Research departments in the TCU Water Resources Coalition. The Coalition will:
bullet Engage with the National Water Program and other entities interested in water quality and tribal communities.
bullet Conduct an assessment of TCUs to document needs and capacities at institutions and reservations served, and produce a strategic plan for engaging the TCUs with the Network, land grant system, and USDA.
bullet Develop collaboration between TCU analytical laboratories and staff with State coordinators and land grant university technical expertise.
bullet Develop water quality curriculum for use at the TCUs.
bullet Conduct an annual TCU Water Quality Summit that brings together water quality project directors, faculty, and specialists to address tribal water quality issues.
bullet Establish water quality mini-grant agreements that will involve Coalition members and other TCUs.

Contact

Virgil Dupuis
Salish Kootenai College
Pablo, MT 59855
Voice: 406-275-4899
Fax: 406-275-4809
virgil_dupuis@skc.edu

For additional project information, please view the project's 2006 presentation from the Collaboration Grantsmanship Workshop at the 2006 CSREES National Water Conference and CRIS record exit arrow.