Where: REI Bloomington, 750 American Blvd. W, Bloomington, MN 55420 (952) 884-4315

The Forum will be held in the REI Conference Room

Cost: FREE for Current Members of the Wetland Professionals Association

$30 for Non-members and $10 for students (both include a 1-year WPA membership)

Agenda:

2:00-2:30 Registration, Cookies, Coffee, and Conversation

2:30-3:30 Presentation

3:30-4:30 Q&A and Discussion

Forum Topic: Tribal Nations have unique legal status, absolute rights, and sovereign authority to protect and enhance the health, safety, and welfare of their citizens and territory. The State of Minnesota and Tribal Nations have shared geography, history, people, natural resources, and priorities for the protection of waters and water quality. Participants will gain a better understanding of Tribal sovereignty, treaties, ceded lands and Indian Country, and the unique intergovernmental relationships that exists between Tribal Nations, the United States, and the State of Minnesota -the complex regulatory framework that exists for the protection of water and wetlands, and the importance of working with Tribal Nations on these issues.

Speaker: Melissa King (Odaawaa-Zaaga’iganiing, Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe) has been with the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) for six years and is currently the agency’s Tribal Liaison. In her role she works to cultivate meaningful relationships with Tribal Nations and Tribal organizations. She provides guidance to the agency to ensure that BWSR’s work is guided by principles of respect for Tribal sovereignty and brings awareness of and ensures Tribal values and concerns are considered into agency initiatives and policymaking.

MPWCP Credits: 2 hours

PWS Credits: 2 hours