By CN Communications

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – The Cherokee Nation will host an educational symposium on March 16-17, covering current environmental topics within the tribe’s jurisdiction.

Guest speakers will present issues and research of interest to area CN citizens and other community members, including factors affecting pollution levels in the Illinois River and information regarding saltwater injection wells. 

The symposium will be held in the Tsa La Gi Community Room, located behind the Gift Shop at the Tribal Complex, located at 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 .

“Illinois River issues are critical because they impact our daily quality of life,” Principal Chief 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 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, CN Environmental Programs administrator.

The environmental symposium will be a paperless symposium, but agendas can be downloaded at www.cherokee.org/Docs/PublicNotices/Symp-Agenda_3-1-10.pdf. For more information, call (918) 453-5306.