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"Protecting our most precious
and vital natural resource, our children."
Quote adapted and modified from a
speech given by Houlton Band of Maliseets Tribal Chief, Brenda
Commander, to Tribal Lead Professionals
TBEP, Tribal Based Environmental Protection, has been at the forefront
of developing lead hazard awareness materials and software development to
track environmental toxins for EPA Region 1 Tribes.
Some of the products
developed by the Tribal TBEP members have been well received. TBEP
encourages Tribes, Regions, and States to explore the tools developed by TBEP to start a Lead
Program.
TBEP is currently made up of five tribes (Maine Tribes) to address tribal lead training, 402
application submission, Memorandum of Understanding with the State of
Maine, tribal lead regulation enforcement, and technical issues concerning
lead inspections, risk assessments, and data collection. Other New England
tribes have contributed to TBEP's success and growth.
TBEP tribal partners are involved with CONEST, Consortium of NorthEast
State and Tribes. CONEST is an Eight State, Five Tribe Consortium established
in 1990 to discuss and develop methods and tools to aid in certification
and training throughout Region 1. TBEP is a specialized committee of CONEST
with emphasis on tribal and cultural needs.
TBEP PARTNERS - MAPLE HILL FARM B&B - SEPT. 2006
Robbie the Raccoon - S. Kirk
Vision
To continue in public awareness in lead exposure hazards as well
as build capacity for tribes to be aware of and assess other
environmental toxins. To prevent childhood lead poisoning in Indian
Country. To network with other tribes and share expertise in ensuring that homes
on Tribal lands are lead-safe by 2010.
Profile
TBEP has been in existence as far back as 1996. All the EPA's
Region 1 Tribes
http://epa.gov/region1/govt/tribes/index.html are members of
TBEP. Tribal partners have developed various products that are
used by the Tribes in protecting Mother Earth and our most
valuable resource -- "our children".
TBEP members in Region I meet semi-annually to discuss
product implementation and to share experience and concerns to
better manage environmental programs. TBEP committee meetings
are established to foster communication among New England Tribes
in managing lead programs. Guest Tribes are welcomed and
encouraged to attend the meetings.
Tribes interested in starting their own TBEP group should
contact mcling@tbep.net
for more information. I will be willing to share my
experience.
Contact Information
- Electronic mail
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- Webmaster: mcling@tbep.net
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