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In 1997, several Pacific Northwest Tribes banded together to begin
addressing solid waste and environmental issues in Indian Country.
Overburdened with the need to keep up with development on the national
level, while maintaining a firm grasp on local waste management issues,
Tribal members formed an alliance where we could begin to share information
and technology. Recognizing not only the value of shared resources, but
also the need for a voice in policy-making, we formed the Tribal Solid
Waste Advisory Network (TSWAN). Members are Tribes who have voluntarily
come together for mutual support and assistance, with each Tribe
designating one representative to attend quarterly meetings, granting them
the capability to speak and vote on behalf of the Tribe. These
representatives constitute the decision-making body of TSWAN, who annually
elect a Board of Directors that includes a President, Vice-President, and
Secretary/Treasurer. All members must be officially enrolled in a federally
recognized Indian tribe.
As a group, we are gaining recognition for our efforts and
establishing effective relationships with other agencies. TSWAN has created
a model program of inter-Tribal partnership by promoting the commonality of
Tribal lands and our desire to protect and enhance our natural resources.
TSWAN has made great strides in working with many agencies by creating a
forum for coordination between Tribes and agencies who are charged with
solid waste management in Indian Country. The value TSWAN brings to this
interaction is crucial insight from our experiences, both independently and
as a group, to help navigate through the vast region of solid waste
management policies and principles. We provide Tribal perspectives to
agencies and organizations designing waste programs and practices so they
may be effective in Indian Country.
Today, we are a nonprofit organization of 29 federally
recognized Tribes throughout Washington, Oregon,
Idaho, and Alaska,
working to make effective and environmentally responsible solid waste
management a priority on our reservations and in our communities. One of
our primary goals is to work towards sharing technical expertise,
information, and opportunities with one another. To date, we are the only
united Indian consortium on solid waste policy and other
environment-related matters.
We’ve found we have a stronger, more organized voice
when we speak together than when we speak only for our own Tribe and
reservation. We welcome participation by other Tribes and invite you to
join us.
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