Phoenix >> The Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, Inc., (ITCA) National Tribal Water and Wastewater Operator Program recognized Big Valley Rancheria Tribal System Operator John Cruz during the 2015 Tribal Water/Wastewater Operator of the Year Award during the ITCA Tribal Water Operator Workgroup on Aug. 26.
Cruz was one of nine nominees who received recognition for their professional service and dedication to maintaining safe drinking water and effective wastewater management on behalf of their tribal communities.
“The need for safe and reliable drinking water and effective wastewater management is critical to the health, safety, welfare, economic viability, and self-determination goals of Tribal communities throughout Indian Country,” stated Maria Dadgar, ITCA Executive Director.
The ITCA National Tribal Water Systems Program works with hundreds of system operators across Indian Country every year that directly protect the health of their communities.
“The daily work performed by these public health professionals, who are often on-call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, is admirable, stated Brian Bennon, TWS Program Manager. “Our team believes that exceptional operators, who go above and beyond their responsibilities in making outstanding contributions to their communities, should receive recognition for their dedication.”
Also recognized at the event were Steven Pajarito of Santo Domingo Tribal Utility Authority, April Garza of Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community Public Works, James Patchon of Hualapai Tribe Public Services, Wayne Yazza Jr. of Picuris Pueblo Environment Department, Eli Abeita of Zuni Pueblo Utility Department, Les Jodie of Dilcon Boarding School, Navajo Nation, Weston Tso of Navajo Nation and James Real of Battle Mountain Band.
Eli Abeita received the 2015 Tribal Water/Wastewater Operator of the Year Award.
Over the past 30 years, the ITCA National Tribal Water Systems (TWS) program has provided training and certification for tribal operators so that they can provide professional water and sanitation services to their respective communities. This recognition award is presented annually to water/wastewater operators who have demonstrated exemplary work ethic, and community involvement while contributing to the high level of water quality within their systems.
