Celebrating Excellence

Environmental Excellence Awards

Recognizing Outstanding Contributions to Environmental Stewardship

Isaiah Case Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Reservation Transfer Station Attendant

We are pleased to recognize Isaiah Case for our final Environmental Excellence Award at our summer meeting. Isaiah exemplifies dedication and excellence in his role, maintaining the cleanliness of the transfer station and efficiently handling trailer operations. His willingness to assist on routes without complaint makes him a role model for his peers. Thank you, Isaiah, for your hard work and commitment.

Lisa Mielke Community Services Director, Coquille Tribe

We also acknowledge Lisa Mielke for the TSWAN Environmental Excellence Award. Lisa has made significant strides in reducing waste at her department's meetings and events by eliminating plastic water bottles and utilizing compostable plates and utensils. Thank you, Lisa, for prioritizing our planet's health.

Jon Van Woerkom Recycling Tech II, Nez Perce Tribe

Jon Van Woerkom, our second recipient of the TSWAN Environmental Excellence Award at the summer meeting, has been with the program since 2018. Jon's unwavering belief in recycling and the Tribe’s recycling program, along with his exceptional work ethic and positive attitude, are invaluable. He oversees shop operations, supervises two employees, and has recently taken on additional administrative duties. Jon's dedication and continual optimism are the driving force behind the program's success and progress towards our zero waste goal.

Dr. Laura Laumatia Environmental Programs Manager, Coeur d’Alene Tribe

We extend our heartfelt recognition to Dr. Laura Laumatia for her passion and dedication to the environment, earning her the Environmental Excellence Award from TSWAN at our summer meeting. Dr. Laumatia tirelessly supports her team and promotes a vision that integrates energy, food, and land advocacy through an indigenous lens. She has established key partnerships with local universities, contributing to tribal research protocols and the tribal nation-building initiative through EPSCOR. Her efforts facilitate tribal research and indigenous scholarship, funding visiting tribal scholars at the University of Idaho. Dr. Laumatia is a teacher, scholar-activist, and role model, continually building capacity and respect within the CDA community. Thank you, Dr. Laumatia, for your inspiring leadership.

Report abuse