TRIBES AND THE EXCHANGE NETWORK
Frequently Asked Questions about Tribes and the EN and the TXG
What is the Tribal Exchange Network Group (TXG)?
The Tribal Exchange Network Group (TXG) supports tribes’ management, analysis, and sharing of their environmental data, so they can use this data to advocate for their interests to preserve tribal lifeways, maintain cultural integrity, and enhance tribal members’ sense of place.
The activities of the TXG are conducted by volunteer members from tribes and tribal organizations, in accordance with the TXG Charter, and in cooperation with EPA and tribal partners. The work of the TXG is supported by funding from EPA’s Office of Mission Support-Environmental Information (OMS-EI) under a 5-Year cooperative agreement awarded to the Northern Arizona University’s Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP).
How do I become a member?
TXG members actively recruit other tribal staff during all outreach and engagement activities. TXG members commit to undertaking TXG work plan activities at their discretion. Membership Criteria:
Nominations and/or requests for new members are accepted on an on-going basis.
What are some examples of TXG activities?
The TXG participates in monthly planning calls to develop and implement workplan activities including engaging with EPA and other EN and EE partners, conducting tribal outreach sessions and presentations at conferences, meetings, and other events; and providing mentoring and technical support to tribes. The TXG works to promote and advocate for tribal access, equity, and inclusion for more balanced and sustainable funding support for tribal programs and priorities that are considerate of tribal needs and concerns.
What is a tribal mentorship and what do they look like?
Mentorship experiences can help develop skills and knowledge, and forge relationships to the peers and colleagues that help guide and support the journey, at no cost to tribes. Mentors can share information remotely (via email/web exchanges), or through direct, on-site assistance, either at the mentor’s location or that of the individual being assisted. Mentorships may involve a single interchange or may occur over a period of time. Mentorship activities should have a designated goal and timeline identified; once completed, participants are required to submit a summary of their activities to report on outcomes, challenges, and next steps.
What is the Tribal Data and Technology Academy (Tribal-DATA)?
Tribal-DATA aims to expand tribes’ capacity for environmental data sharing, management, and analysis through interactive professional development experiences that provide:
All Tribal-DATA workshop sessions provide instructor-led, interactive learning experiences, and peer-to-peer mentoring opportunities focused on developing real-world skills and professional connections that are immediately useful for tribal programs at no cost.
What other activities are hosted by the TXG?
In addition to tribal outreach sessions, mentorships, and the Tribal Data Academy, the TXG hosts the Tribes and the Exchange Network Conference. This event provides an overview of the Exchange Network and includes showcases of tribal EN projects. Access to previous conference information is available on the Events page of the Tribes and the EN website.
Where can I find more details and how can I stay informed of updates?
Stay tuned at this website, www.tribalexchangenetwork.org, for online resources, announcements on events, or subscribe to the email listserv. You can also email TXG@tribalexchangenetwork.org with any inquiries.