Tribal TAB
Supporting Indigenous communities in protecting and restoring sacred lands.
The Tribal Technical Assistance to Brownfields (Tribal TAB) program supports Indigenous communities in protecting and restoring sacred lands and accomplishing revitalization goals through the reuse, restoration, or redevelopment of brownfields.
By providing collaborative, culturally-informed assistance and resources, practical tools, and a meaningful network of peers, mentors, and subject-matter experts, Tribal TAB equips Tribal Nations and tribal entities to address brownfields, build strong Tribal Response Programs, and enhance self-governance opportunities, while protecting and preserving the local environment.
Tribal Brownfields Knowledge Circle (TBKC)
The Tribal Brownfields Knowledge Circle (TBKC) is a community of practice for Tribal environmental professionals working at the confluence of Indigenous lands, brownfields revitalization, healthy communities, and cultural resilience. This group is a Tribal-only space, open exclusively to staff from Tribes, Native Villages, and Tribal consortia. Join the mailing list to receive newsletters and invitations to our events..
TBKC Forum
The Tribal Brownfields Forum is a virtual gathering space designed to bring together Tribal environmental professionals and others working in the Tribal brownfields sphere. This community-supported space offers a place to ask questions, share knowledge, exchange ideas, and learn from one another.
TBKC Events
Participate in the TBKC community through our regular online conversations In a Good Way Chats or at one of our annual in-person events such as the Brownfields Site Visit or the Tribal Lands and Environment Forum. Join the TBKC listserv to receive invitations for these and other gatherings.
Free, Online, Self-Paced Brownfields Courses
Introduction to Brownfields
Introduction to Brownfields will provide participants with: an understanding of what brownfields are, tribal examples of brownfields sites, a summary of brownfields funding sources, how tribes may be able to access brownfields funding, who was using brownfields grant money as of 2013, and contact information for free brownfields technical assistance available to tribes. Enroll here.
Brownfields Tribal Response Program Fundamentals
The Brownfields Tribal Response Program (TRP) Fundamentals course has been developed to provide tribes with an overview of the CERCLA Section 128(a) State and Tribal Response Program funding. After taking this course tribes will have the information needed to request CERCLA Section 128(a) State and Tribal Response Program funds with a draft work plan as described in the current EPA funding guidance. This course is also useful for new brownfields tribal employees to gain a better understanding of the program they are working in. It is recommended that participants complete ITEP’s Introduction to Brownfields online course for an overview of brownfields and tribal examples prior to beginning this online course. Enroll here.
Brownfields: Land Restoration Using Traditional Foods, Plants, and Culture
This course will provide course participants with four examples of how Tribes have incorporated traditional food, plants, and culture into their restoration work on contaminated lands. All four presentations demonstrate creativity and insight when it comes to vision, partnerships, and funding opportunities. The fifth presentation covers some of the free technical assistance available to Tribes who are looking to pursue Brownfields funding. The course activities that are paired with the presentations encourage course participants to consider what the priorities are for their Tribe regarding traditional food, plants, and culture in their land revitalization efforts, what funding sources might help support their priorities, and where to find technical support for their Brownfields work. Enroll here.
Additional TAB Providers
EPA has awarded TAB Grants which provide technical support to brownfield sites in multiple EPA regions as listed below. See EPA’s Brownfields Technical Assistance webpage to learn more about the current awardees.
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- EPA Region 1: The University of Connecticut
- EPA Region 2: New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT)
- EPA Region 3: The West Virginia University Research Corporation,
- EPA Region 4: The International City/County Management Association
- EPA Regions 5, 6, 7, 8 and nationwide: Kansas State University (KSU)
- EPA Regions 9 and 10: Center for Creative Land Recycling (CCLR)