Where: Oregon
Problem: Tribal water utility managers and operators in Oregon have limited access to training and networking opportunities.
Solution: RCAC conducts Native American Water Masters Association (NAWMA) trainings for operator certification, sustainable utility management, and program information on funding and resources for Tribes.

Native American Tribes in Oregon have faced hurdles to delivering water to their communities and also developing, maintaining and improving wastewater infrastructure. RCAC has been conducting Native American Water Masters Association (NAWMA) meetings in states across the West to bring together Tribal leaders who manage water and wastewater infrastructure, assisting them with training, peer-to-peer networking, and best practices. The association also helps Tribes access pro¬gram information and resources.

In the spring of 2015, RCAC conducted outreach to Tribes in Oregon who expressed interest in participating and worked with Tribal leaders to conduct the first trainings in the summer of 2015.

RCAC conducted three NAWMA meetings with the Cow Creek Tribe at Sevan Feathers Resort and Casino in Canyonville; the Columbia River Inter Tribal Fish Commission in Portland; and the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) at Wild Horse Resort and Casino near Pendleton. An average of 12 participants from five Tribes participated in each NAWMA meeting, which included topics such as sustainable utility management, well head protection, water conservation, and state operator certification.

Presentations from the Inter Tribal Council of Arizona (ITCA) focused on operator certification, and the meeting also included a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) accredited operator certification program. RCAC offered training on sustainable utility management, and there were also presentations from USDA Rural Development, U.S. Indian Health Services (I.H.S.), and EPA on funding programs, and assistance for water and wastewater projects.

Twenty participants at the NAWMA meetings followed up and participated in operator certification training with ITCA which resulted in 15 operators gaining water operator certification, all of which contributes to protecting public health on tribal lands. According to the participants, the NAWMA meetings were well-received and there is interest to continue meetings with a host Tribe in Oregon this year.