Cherokee Nation Environmental Symposium Scheduled
TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — The Cherokee Nation will host an educational symposium on March 16 and 17, covering a variety of current environmental topics within the Cherokee Nation.
A number of guest speakers will present current issues and research of interest to area Cherokee Nation citizens and other community members, including factors affecting pollution levels in the Illinois River and information regarding saltwater injection wells.
“Illinois River issues are critical because they impact our daily quality of life,” said Chad Smith, principal chief of the Cherokee Nation. “We need the best information so that we can make the best decisions.”
Speakers include representatives from government, academia and regulatory agencies. Tribal, state and federal interests and perspectives will be discussed by a diverse group of presenters from agencies such as the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Geological Survey, University of Arkansas and Oklahoma Water Resources Board, as well as several tribes.
“The symposium will have a scientific focus,” said Tom Elkins, administrator for Cherokee Nation Environmental Programs, which is organizing the event.
The symposium will be held in the Tsa La Gi Community Room, located behind the gift shop at the Cherokee Nation tribal complex, 17675 S. Muskogee Ave., south of Tahlequah. It will begin at 8:30 a.m. both days, finishing by 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday and by noon on Wednesday. There is no cost to attend, but seating is limited to the first 200 people. Attendees are asked to pre-register online at http://signup.cherokee.org/Forms/Illinois_River_Symposium.aspx .
The environmental symposium will be a green (paperless) symposium, but you can download a copy of the agenda at http://www.cherokee.org/Docs/PublicNotices/Symp-Agenda_3-1-10.pdf. For more information, please call (918) 453-5306.