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The Tribal Program
In New England, there are 10 federally recognized Tribes with an approximate land base of 260,000 acres. Throughout Indian Country, Tribes have primarily elected to place environmental activities within their Natural Resource Departments. The New England Tribes have done likewise. Currently, all the New England Tribes have Tribal environmental management programs. The Tribes have developed capability to assess environmental quality through monitoring, data collection, and reporting. Most of the Tribes are conducting air and water monitoring, and a few have approved assessments and Best Management Practices for non-point source pollution. The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, which received federal recognition in 2007, is just beginning to develop an environmental capability. The New England Tribes run across a spectrum from upland blueberry barrens to large and sophisticated gaming operations and resort hotels. Agriculture contributes to non-point pollution in rural areas whereas tribal gaming enterprises generate vehicle trips which generate air emissions. Ozone generation from upwind sources, atmospheric deposition of toxic contaminants, accumulation of persistent, bio-accumulative and toxic (PBT) compounds, and water quality are specific concerns of the tribes.
Tribal members rely on natural resources to a greater extent than the general population to provide the Tribe with food and spiritual sustenance. Many tribal members engage in hunting, fishing, and gathering. Medicine men and women and ethno-biologists gather plants, herbs and animals as part of cultural practices on tribal land and other traditionally occupied areas. Therefore, Tribal members are at greater risk due to a higher level of environmental exposures than the general population. In addition, with regard to climate change, because the New England Tribes often live in coastal or riverine areas and rely on specific ecological settings for their cultural existence and subsistence any changes in sea level or climate will be particularly felt. The Tribes also have continuing concerns about environmental contaminants and their impact on tribal health.
EPA New England Programs
Profiles of the New England Tribes
Regional Tribal Program Office
Tribal Program Structure, Function and Programs
EPA Regional Contacts, NE Tribal Contacts
National Programs
National Indian Program Structure
Laws and Regulations Affecting Tribal Programs
Additional Resources
Tribal Compliance Assistance Center – OECA
Profile of Tribal Government Operations