Virgil Masayesva Memorial

Tribal Air Programs Excellence Awardees

Virgil Masayesva was the Director of the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals at Northern Arizona University from it's inception until his passing in 2005. Virgil is commemorated for his leadership, dedication, innovation and commitment to the support of tribal air programs; their creation, development, advancement and ultimate success in promoting tribal sovereignty, tribal culture and tribal environmental protection. This award was developed to recognize and perpetuate continuing contributions to that legacy.

2018

(L-R) James Payne, EPA-OAQPS; Brandon Gutierrez, Morongo; Pam Atcitty, Morongo; and Jon Castillo, Morongo (not pictured - Jessica Southard)

2016

Rosalie Kalistook, Orutsararmiut Native Council, Policy Development Excellence
Angela Benedict, Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe - Tribal Program Development

2014

Delbert Altaha, White Mountain Apache Tribe - Tribal Program Development

2012

Brandy Toft, Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe - Tribal Program & Policy Development

2010

Dr. Toni Richards, Bishop Paiute Tribe Photo not available.

2008

Dwayne Beavers (for former work with Cherokee Nation Environment Program)
Nez Perce Tribal Air Quality Program

2007

Southern Ute Indian Tribal Air Quality Program

2017

Jason Walker, Northwestern Band of Shoshone Nation - Policy Development Excellence.
Northern Cheyenne Tribe Air Quality Division – Tribal Program Development

2015

Randy Ashley, Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes - Technical Excellence.
Dan Blair, Gila River Indian Community - Tribal Program Development

2013

Syndi Smallwood, Pechanga Band of Lusefio Indians - Policy Development Excellence

2011

Navajo Nation EPA Radon Program – Tribal Program Development.
Joy Wiecks, Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa - Policy Development Excellence

2009

Forest County Potawatomi Community Air Resource Program.
Special Certificate given to Jeff Crawförd, Attorney General, Forest Co Potawatomi Community

2007

Roxanne Ellingson, Walker River Paiute Tribe

For more information contact: Darlene Santos at Darlene.Santos@nau.edu.