ITEP’s Mission
“ITEP strengthens tribal capacity and sovereignty in environmental and natural resource management through culturally relevant education, research, partnerships and policy-based services.“

On March 16, 2005, Indian Country lost an extraordinary leader, Virgil Masayesva.

Virgil was the co-founder and director of the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP) at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona. As a director, Virgil directed and managed ITEP’s tribal environmental training programs and was instrumental in establishing ITEP’s air quality programs including the American Indian Air Quality Training Program and the Tribal Air Monitoring Support Center and many other programs dedicated to the protection and preservation of tribal resources and tribal environmental management.

Tribes throughout the country have benefited from the environmental trainings, professional assistances, and conferences that ITEP provides. Through Virgil’s work and commitment in providing trainings, he has changed the direction of tribal resources and the development of environmental management in Indian country forever.

A scholarship fund has been established at Northern Arizona University in recognition of Virgil Masayesva and his tireless pursuit to advance Native American environmental education and protection issues around the country. The principal purpose of the fund is to support qualified Native American students who are pursuing environmental careers, and others who are committed to careers associated with environmental protection of Indian Country.

Email: itepcampaigns@nau.edu for more information on how to donate to the scholarship endowment, or about fun donation campaigns and happenings!