Regional Tribal Operations Committee in Region 5
The Regional Tribal Operations Committee (RTOC) is a partnership between federally recognized Tribal governments geographically located in U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 and the EPA senior management team. Tribal governments in Region 5 select representatives to serve as the Regional Tribal Caucus (RTC). The RTOC enhances the protection of human health and the environment in Indian Country, fosters the development and implementation of Tribal environmental protection programs, and promotes effective direct implementation of Agency programs in Indian Country. The RTOC will:
- Identify common Tribal environmental program capacity needs across the region, develop recommendations to address needs, and implement actions as appropriate to build and enhance Tribal environmental program capacity,
- Identify opportunities to enhance planning and implementation of EPA’s direct implementation responsibilities in Indian Country,
- Define the Agency’s trust responsibilities for particular environmental or human health issues in Indian Country and treaty-ceded territories,
- Identify and define issues important to Indian Country in Region 5 and convey those issues nationally through the National Tribal Operations Committee and EPA Tribal Advisory Groups, and
- Facilitate implementation of the EPA Policy for the Administration of Environmental Programs on Indian Reservations (1984 Indian Policy) in Region 5.
Administrative support for the RTOC is provided by the Region 5 Tribal and International Affairs Division.
RTOC Membership and Contact Information
Regional Tribal Caucus:
The Regional Tribal Caucus is comprised of two Tribal government representatives each for the Tribes located in Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Two alternate representatives from each state may also be designated.
RTOC Co-Chair - Brandy Toft (brandy.toft@llojibwe.net)
MI representative - Doug Craven (dcraven@ltbbodawa-nsn.gov)
MI representative - Grant Poole (Grant.Poole@PokagonBand-nsn.gov)
MI alternate - Sally Kniffen (skniffen@sagchip.org)
MN representative – Krishna Woerheide (kwoerheide@grandportage.com)
MN alternate – Renee Keezer (renee.keezer@whiteearth-nsn.gov)
WI representative - Jim Snitgen (jsnitgen@oneidanation.org)
WI representative - VACANT
WI alternate - Sarah Slayton (sarahs@stcroixojibwe-nsn.gov)
EPA Members:
EPA members to the RTOC are comprised of the Regional Administrator, Deputy Regional Administrator, and the Directors of each of the Divisions/Offices in Region 5.
RTOC General Information
Current Fiscal Year Schedule of Meetings and Calls
RTOC Schedule for FY 2025:
- October 29 RTC-EPA Tribal Program Monthly Call
- November 19 RTC-EPA Tribal Program Monthly Call
- December 17 RTC-EPA Tribal Program Monthly Call
- January 21 RTC-EPA Tribal Program Monthly Call
- February 18 RTC-EPA Tribal Program Monthly Call
- March 20-21 RTOC Meeting (tentative)
- April 18 RTC-EPA Tribal Program Monthly Call
The schedule will be updated throughout the Fiscal Year