15th Annual Region 2 Indian Nation Leadership Meeting
Indian Nation Leadership Meeting with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
On Tuesday August 20th, 2010 Indian Nations located throughout New York State met up with U.S., E.P.A. Officials to discuss different topics and concerns each Nation had about the environment. Also joining the group were officials fromNeil Patterson tells the story “Maid of the Mist” the Department of Environmental Conservation. This year’s annual meeting was held in Niagara Falls at the Crowne Plaza, only a short distance from the Falls.
The first day the entire group of Tribal Officials, Nation leadership, Nation delegates, and Governmental Employees went on a field trip guided by Tuscarora Nations, Neil Patterson and Bryan Printup. The meeting began with some presentations and videos provided by EPA, Lorraine Graves, and St. Regis Mohawk Tribes, Angela Benedict-Dunn. After lunch the group took a short walk down to the Niagara Falls where Neil Patterson talked about the history of the falls while giving the group an opportunity to ask questions and take scenic pictures. From there, the group returned in time to catch a chartered bus tour taken to New York Power Authority’s, Power Vista, located approximately 4 ½ miles downstream of the Niagara Falls. One of the highlights of this guided tour at the Power Vista was a display called “The Times of the Tuscarora” which exhibited a timeline of Tuscarora Nation from 800 A.D until now.
The following day each NThe Times of the Tuscaroraation had the opportunity to discuss, individually, any environmental questions and concerns with E.P.A. Later on, during the evening, everyone came together for a family style dinner at one of Niagara Falls distinguished restaurants called The Como. There, the group ate together while getting to know each other on a personal level and also discussing more about the environment informally.
On the last day, everyone came together meeting formally to discuss topics such as Hydro-Fracturing, Global Climate Change, and other important topics including Nation and EPA relationships.
Over all, the annual Indian Nation Leadership Meeting was a success, bringing each Nation along with some of E.P.A.’s top leadership together, moving forward, building strong relationships, and creating a better environment for Indian Nations.
