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:

1. Members must be an employee or direct affiliate (e.g. member of a tribe’s environmental or governmental board, etc.) of a tribe or tribal organization and may not be employees of companies who are or may be contracted to do work under the EN.
2. Members should have a working knowledge of tribal issues relating to the EN.
   
3. Members must have written approval of their supervisor to participate, as documented on the Membership Request Form.
   
4. Prospective members are required to submit the TXG Member Request Form, which must be approved by consensus of the current TXG membership.
   
5. Guests, advisors, observers, and other non-members may be invited to attend TXG meetings as needed, and with approval of the TXG Chair(s).
   

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:

• practical skills that help tribes streamline their work and meet environmental protection goals,
• instructor-led lessons and self-paced activities that accommodate all levels and backgrounds,
  
• a supportive learning environment to explore and share ideas with peers and other professionals.
  

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.