VIRGIL MASAYESVA AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN TRIBAL AIR PROGRAMS

 

This award is presented in honor and memory of Mr.

Virgil Masayesva, Hopi tribal member, co-founder and

former director of the Institute for Tribal Environmental

Professionals (ITEP). 

Virgil Masayesva was a member of the Hopi Tribe and a decorated Vietnam veteran. From 1990 to

1992, he served as special assistant to then Northern

Arizona University President Eugene Hughes, during which

time he co-founded the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP).

Mr. Masayesva was actively involved in the development of ITEP’s tribal air quality training

programs, including the American Indian Air Quality Training Program, the Tribal

Monitoring Support Center and many other programs dedicated

to the protection and preservation of tribal cultures

and sovereignty.

Purpose of the award:

To recognize outstanding contributions to the protection of air quality, health

and our environment throughout Indian country. The award recognizes

tribal environmental staff, tribal air programs, or other environmental

professionals that have demonstrated leadership in tribal air programs.

2015 VIRGIL MASAYESVA EXCELLENCE AWARD

RECIPIENT

Daniel BlairGila River Indian

Community (Retired)

Daniel Blair

First member of Gila River Indian Community’s (GRIC) Air Quality Program

Instrumental in developing comprehensive GRIC Tribal Implementation Plan (TIP)

Oversaw GRIC’s air quality compliance, permitting and enforcement efforts

ITEP instructor and mentor to other tribes

Dan the Man in Action

2010 Honoring Nations Award

CONGRATULATIONSDAN!

2015 VIRGIL MASAYESVA EXCELLENCE AWARD

RECIPIENT

Randy AshleyConfederated Salish &

Kootenai Tribes

Randy Ashley

Air Quality Program Manager at Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes since 1998

Expanded monitoring network to include PM2.5 and IMPROVE network

Initiated TREX Network involvement Involved with Western Regional Air

Partnership, National Tribal Air Association and Tribal Air Monitoring Support Center Steering Committee

CONGRATULATIONSRANDY!

PAST AWARDEES

Previous Recipients of Virgil Masayesva Environmental Excellence Award:

2014Delbert Altaha

White Mountain Apache Tribe

Previous Recipients of Virgil Masayesva Environmental Excellence Award:

2013Syndi Smallwood

Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians

Previous Recipients of Virgil Masayesva Environmental Excellence Award:

2012Brandy Toft, Air Quality Specialist

Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe

Previous Recipients of Virgil Masayesva Environmental Excellence Award:

2011Joy Wiecks, Air Quality Technician

Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa

Vivian Craig & John PlummerNavajo Nation EPA Radon Program

2010Toni Richards, Ph.D., Air Quality Specialist

Bishop Paiute Tribe

Previous Recipients of Virgil Masayesva Environmental Excellence Award:

2009Forest County Potawatomi Community

Air Resource Program

Jeff Crawford, Attorney GeneralForest County Potawatomi Community

Previous Recipients of Virgil Masayesva Environmental Excellence Award:

2008:Dwayne Beavers, Cherokee Nation

Nez Perce Air Quality Program

Previous Recipients of Virgil Masayesva Environmental Excellence Award:

2007Roxanne Ellingson, Walker River Paiute Tribe (not pictured)

Southern Ute Tribe Air Quality Program

Previous Recipients of Virgil Masayesva Environmental Excellence Award: