Planning can empower tribal governments to make informed decisions about issues in their tribes based on discussions with stakeholders in their community. It can ensure that issues are understood and that priorities can be agreed upon, and create an appreciation for how issues are related to each other. When tribal citizens participate in the government’s planning process, it can help a tribe to unify around a particular goal. A cohesive and unified tribal nation can foster a stronger environment for economic opportunities for all segments of its society.
Water Treatment-Level 1 Operator Certification Training Course, in Yuma, Arizona, May 4-15, 2026, (Event ID #26004-blended)
Water Treatment-Level 1 Operator Certification Training Course, in Yuma, AZ, May 4-15, 2026, (Event ID #26004-blended)
Part 1 meets: Monday through Friday (on-line)
Dates: May 4-8, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (Pacific Daylight Time)
Part 2 meets: Monday through Friday (in-person)
Dates: May 11-15, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Local Time)
Click here: Brochure & Registration Forms
Click here: Electronic Registration
Click here: Application for Water Certification
Click here: Need to Know for Exam 1: Federal Regulations Exam Module for Water Treatment
Click here: Need to Know for Exam 2: Water Treatment Operator Class I
Water Treatment-Levels 2 & 3 Operator Certification Training Course, in Billings, Montana, June 15-26, 2026, (Event ID #26005-blended)
Water Treatment – Levels 2 & 3 Operator Certification Training Course, in Billings, Montana, June 15-26, 2026, (Event ID #26005-blended)
Part 1 meets: Monday through Thursday (on-line)
Dates: June 15 – 18, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (Pacific Daylight Time)
Part 2 meets: Monday through Friday (in-person)
Dates: June 22 – 26, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Local Time)
Click here: Brochure & Registration Forms
Click here: Electronic Registration
Click here: Application for Water Certification
Click here: Need to Know for Exam 1: Federal Regulations Exam Module for Water Treatment
Click here: Need to Know for Exam 2: Water Treatment Operator (Class II or Class III)
Wastewater Treatment-Level 1 Operator Certification Training Course, in Camp Verde, Arizona, August 17-28, 2026, (Event ID #26006-blended)
Wastewater Treatment-Level 1 Operator Certification Training Course, in Camp Verde, Arizona, August 17-28, 2026, (Event ID #26006-blended)
Part 1 Meets: Monday through Friday (on-line)
Dates: August 17-21, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (Pacific Daylight Time)
Part 2 Meets: Monday through Friday (in-person)
Dates: August 24-28, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Local Time)
Location: Camp Verde, Arizona
Click here: Brochure & Registration Forms
Click here: Electronic Registration
Click here: Application for Wastewater Certification
Click here: Need to Know for Exam: Wastewater Treatment Operator Class I
Notice of RFP Cancellations
December 15, 2025
Notice of Cancellation – RFP Announcements
Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, Inc. Tribal Epidemiology Center (ITCA TEC)
The ITCA TEC is cancelling the two Requests for Proposals regarding the following two topics:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) Capacity Building Program
- Cyber Security Data Protection Capacity Building Program
We thank all vendors for their interest and due to unexpected funding issues; however, these two Request for Proposal announcements are cancelled.
ITCA TEC is a program within a nonprofit organization, which relies on grant funding to carry out work within the communities that we serve. If any similar opportunities arise in the future, we will establish a new announcement. Again, we thank all vendors for their interest; however, the projects can no longer be funded.
Wastewater Lagoons Training Course, in Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico, June 15-26th, 2026, (ID #26008-blended)
Wastewater Lagoons Operator Certification Training Course, in Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico, June 15-26, 2026, (Event ID #26008-blended)
Part 1 Meets: Monday through Friday (on-line)
Dates: June 15-19, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (Pacific Daylight Time)
Part 2 Meets: Monday through Friday (in-person)
Dates: June 22-26, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Local Time)
Location: Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico
Click here: Brochure & Registration Forms
Click here: Electronic Registration
Water Distribution-Level 1 Operator Certification Training Course, in Flagstaff, Arizona, July 6 – 17, 2026, (Event ID #26009-blended)
Water Distribution-Level 1 Operator Certification Training Course, in Flagstaff, Arizona, July 6 – 17, 2026, (Event ID #26009-blended)
Part 1 Meets: Monday through Friday (On-Line)
Dates: July 6 – 10, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (Pacific Daylight Time)
Part 2 Meets: Monday through Friday (In-Person)
Dates: July 13 -17, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Local Time)
Location: Flagstaff, Arizona
Click here: Brochure & Registration Forms
Click here: Electronic Registration
Click here: Application for Water Certification
Click here: Need to Know for Exam 1: Federal Regulations Exam Module for Water Distribution
Click here: Need to Know for Exam 2: Water Distribution Operator Class I
Water Treatment-Level 1 Operator Certification Training Course, in Portland, Oregon, September 28-October 9, 2026, (Event ID #26020-blended)
Water Treatment-Level 1 Operator Certification Training Course, in Portland, Oregon, September 28-October 9, 2026, (Event ID #26020-blended)
Part 1 meets: Monday through Friday (on-line)
Dates: September 28-October 2, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (Pacific Standard Time)
Part 2 meets: Monday through Friday (in-person)
Dates: October 5-9, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Local Time)
Click here: Brochure & Registration Forms
Click here: Electronic Registration
Click here: Application for Water Certification
Click here: Need to Know for Exam 1: Federal Regulations Exam Module for Water Treatment
Click here: Need to Know for Exam 2: Water Treatment Operator Class I
Water Distribution-Level 1 Operator Certification Training Course, in Eureka, California, August 10 – 21, 2026, (Event ID #26012-blended)
Water Distribution-Level 1 Operator Certification Training Course, in Eureka, California, August 10 – 21, 2026, (Event ID #26012-blended)
Part 1 Meets: Monday through Friday (On-Line)
Dates: August 10 – 14, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (Pacific Daylight Time)
Part 2 Meets: Monday through Friday (In-Person)
Dates: August 17-21, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Local Time)
Location: Eureka, California
Click here: Brochure & Registration Forms
Click here: Electronic Registration
Click here: Application for Water Certification
Click here: Need to Know for Exam 1: Federal Regulations Exam Module for Water Distribution
Click here: Need to Know for Exam 2: Water Distribution Operator Class I
Water Distribution – Levels 2 & 3 Operator Certification Training Course, in New Mexico, July 27 – August 7, 2026, (Event ID #26013-blended)
Water Distribution – Levels 2 & 3 Operator Certification Training Course, in New Mexico, July 27 – August 7, 2026, (Event ID #26013-blended)
Part 1 meets: Monday through Friday (on-line)
Dates: July 27 – 31, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (Pacific Daylight Time)
Part 2 meets: Monday through Friday (in-person)
Dates: August 3 – 7, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Local Time)
Click here: Brochure & Registration Forms
Click here: Electronic Registration
Click here: Application for Water Certification
Click here: Need to Know for Exam 1: Federal Regulations Exam Module for Water Distribution
Click here: Need to Know for Exam 2: Water Distribution Operator (Class II or Class III)
Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) Federal Regulations Training Course, July 1-10, 2026, (Event ID #26014-Blended)
Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) Federal Regulations Training Course & Operator Certification Exam Sessions, July 1-10, 2026 (Event ID #26014-blended)
Part 1 meets: Wednesday through Friday (on-line)
Dates: July 1 - 3, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time
Part 2 meets: Monday through Friday (in-person)
Dates: July 6 – 10, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Local Time
Location: New Mexico
Click Here: Brochure & Registration Forms
Click Here: Electronic Registration
Click Here: Application for Water Operator Certification
Click Here: Need to Know for Water DISTRIBUTION FedReg Exam
Click Here: Need to Know for Water TREATMENT FedReg Exam
National Workgroup Summit for Personnel of Tribal Water & Wastewater Utilities, September 14-18, 2026, in Mesa, Arizona (Event ID #26015, in-person)
National Workgroup Summit for Personnel of Tribal Water & Wastewater Utilities, September 14-18, 2026, in Mesa, Arizona (Event ID #26015, in-person)
Includes:
- Training for Personnel of Tribal Water/Wastewater Utilities
- Utility Resilience Training Workshop
- Source Water Protection Training Workshop
- 2026 Operator of the Year Award Ceremony
- Operator Certification Paper-Booklet Exam Session
- Travel Expense Reimbursement Stipends Available
Meets: Monday through Friday (in-person)
Dates: September 14-18, 2026
Times: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (local time)
Location: Mesa, Arizona
Description
Since 1983, the Tribal Water & Wastewater Utilities Workgroup meetings have been a forum for personnel of Tribal water and wastewater utilities to share ideas and concerns with peers, attend short training sessions, and contribute directly to the continuing development and planning of the certification, training, and technical assistance services provided by the Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, Inc. (ITCA).
As professional water/wastewater utility and environmental staff, your feedback is vital to maintaining the quality and effectiveness of the National Tribal Water & Wastewater Operator Certification Program at ITCA. You are encouraged to participate in the roundtable sharing session and bring ideas or suggestions to the meeting. The ITCA Program is your program and all input and suggestions are welcomed. The Tribal Water Utilities Workgroup meetings help ensure that these services are genuinely “by tribes and for tribes.”
Click here: Brochure & Registration Forms
Click here: Electronic Registration
Click here: Application for Certification and Need to Know Exam Criteria
Addressing Maternal Health Disparities in American Indian and Alaska Native Communities
American Indian and Alaska Native women face maternal mortality rates two to three times higher than white women, driven by systemic inequities and under-resourced care. Over 90% of these deaths—often linked to mental health and hemorrhage—were preventable, underscoring the urgent need for culturally competent, data-informed solutions.
Addressing Maternal Health Disparities in American Indian and Alaska Native Communities
Nomination Request for the 2026 Operator of the Year
Nomination Request for the 2026 Operator of the Year Award for Personnel of Tribal Water/Wastewater Systems
Have you noticed a dedicated water/wastewater operator working in Indian Country who:
- Goes above and beyond assigned job duties?
- Lends support to co-workers or staff members?
- Provides assistance to another utility?
- Volunteers within the community?
- Consistently goes the extra mile?
Here is your chance to recognize and celebrate the dedication, professionalism, and commitment of Tribal water and wastewater personnel who safeguard public health and the environment. The Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, Inc. (ITCA), through its National Tribal Water Systems Programs, is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Operator of the Year Award, honoring outstanding professionals serving Tribal communities across Indian Country.
A committee of volunteer Tribal water and wastewater operators will review the nominations and select the recipient of the 2026 Operator of the Year Award. All nominees and the selected winner will be announced and formally recognized at the Awards Ceremony on September 18, 2026, held during the National Tribal Water Utilities Workgroup Meeting.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for nomination:
- The nominee must currently work at a Tribal water or wastewater system serving fewer than 5,501 people.
- The system must be located on Federal Trust Tribal lands (Indian reservations) within the ITCA National Tribal Water Systems Programs service area, which includes United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Regions 5 through 10.
- A utility manager may be nominated if they consistently perform the day-to-day operations and maintenance duties of a small, rural Tribal water or wastewater system.
Nominations that do not meet the eligibility criteria may be determined ineligible during the pre-screening process.
Nomination Deadline: July 10, 2026
How to Nominate an Operator
Complete the attached Nomination Form and return it to ITCA by one of the following methods:
Email: TWSInfo@itcaonline.com
Fax: (602) 258-4825, or
Mail: Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, Inc.
NATIONAL TRIBAL WATER SYSTEMS PROGRAMS
Attention: Anisa Flores
2214 North Central Avenue
Phoenix, Arizona 85004
Click Here: 2026 Operator of the Year Nomination Packet
Click Here: USEPA Regional Map
Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) Federal Regulations Training Course & Operator Certification Exam Sessions, in Parker, Arizona, September 30-October 9, 2026 (Event ID #26019-blended)
Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) Federal Regulations Training Course & Operator Certification Exam Sessions, in Parker, Arizona, September 30-October 9, 2026 (Event ID #26019-blended)
Part 1 meets: Wednesday through Friday (on-line)
Dates: September 30-October 2, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time
Part 2 meets: Monday through Friday (in-person)
Dates: October 5-9, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Local Time
Location: Parker, Arizona
Click Here: Brochure & Registration Forms
Click Here: Electronic Registration
Click Here: Application for Water Operator Certification
Click Here: Need to Know for Water DISTRIBUTION FedReg Exam
Click Here: Need to Know for Water TREATMENT FedReg Exam
Water Operator Math Live On-line Training Course, November 30-December 11, 2026, (Event ID #26021)
Math for Drinking Water Operators Live On-line Training Course, November 30-December 11, 2026, (Event ID #26021)
Meets: Sequential Lessons Daily (on-line)
Dates: November 30, December 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 (in 2026)
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time
Click here: Electronic Registration
The Need to Do More Than Screen
A Mother’s Story: Beyond the Checklist
Emily Johnson’s story sheds light on Postpartum Anxiety and suicidal thoughts and how screening alone isn’t alone isn’t enough. Her experience highlights the urgent need for invlusive, culturally responsive mental health care that truly supports all birthing people. Read her story.
A Mother’s Story: Postpartum Anxiety and Suicidal Thoughts and the Need to Do More Than Screen
Indian Health Service access and health insurance coverage associated with higher quality perinatal care among American Indian and Alaska Native people
A new School of Public Health study finds that perinatal care among AI/AN people is insufficient for many, but access to Indian Health Service care and health insurance coverage may help.
Water Distribution-Level 1 Operator Certification Training Course, in Camp Verde, Arizona, March 17-28, 2025, (Event ID #25003-blended), Region 9 Priority
Water Distribution-Level 1 Operator Certification Training Course, in Camp Verde, Arizona, March 17-28, 2025, (Event ID #25003-blended), Region 9 Priority
Part 1 Meets: Monday through Friday (on-line)
Dates: March 17-21, 2025
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (Pacific Daylight Time)
Part 2 Meets: Monday through Friday (in-person)
Dates: March 24-28, 2025
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Local Time)
Location: Camp Verde, Arizona
Click here: Brochure & Registration Forms
Click here: Electronic Registration
Click here: Application for Water Certification
Click here: Need to Know for Exam 1: Federal Regulations Exam Module for Water Distribution
Click here: Need to Know for Exam 2: Water Treatment Operator Class I
Food Insecurity in Pregnancy, Receipt of Food Assistance, and Perinatal Complications
“In this cohort study, food insecurity in pregnancy was associated with a higher risk of perinatal complications, and these associations were overall attenuated to the null among individuals who received food assistance in pregnancy. These findings support clinical guidelines of screening for food insecurity in pregnancy and provide evidence to expand food assistance programs that may help improve maternal and neonatal outcomes.” See link for more information.
Food Insecurity in Pregnancy, Receipt of Food Assistance, and Perinatal Complications
Indigenous doulas helping Native moms take back their health after centuries of discrimination
“Now, organizations across North America are resuscitating the practice of Indigenous doulas. They’re training them to offer culturally safe, emotional and physical care, relying on traditional knowledge and reestablishing their place in the health care system: by the sides of Indigenous birthing women, where today’s doulas say they were always meant to be.” Read more below!
Indigenous doulas are helping Native moms take back their health after centuries of discrimination
National Indian Health Board Tribal Prenatal-to-Three Policy Agenda
The National Indian Health Board developed the Tribal Prenatal-to-Three Policy Agenda to raise
awareness regarding the most impactful and culturally appropriate policy levers and strategies
to support American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) health and wellbeing in the earliest years
of life, from the prenatal period through age 3. These recommendations chart a path forward to
health equity and improved outcomes for AI/AN families, infants, and toddlers.
2024 Tribal Prenatal-To-Three Policy Agenda
2025-2026 GHWIC Registration Links
Funding for this was made possible (in part) by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The views expressed in written materials or publications and by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health and Human Services, nor does the mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. government.
Year 2 Project Schedule for ITCA GHWIC Subawardees (09/30/2025 – 09/29/2026)
(Click on image to download the PDF file)
2025-2026 registration links can be accessed below.
COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE (CoP) CALLS
ITCA Health Promotion Specialist will send Tribal Site Coordinators the registration link directly.
CoP Call 1 - November 4, 2025 at 10:00 AM Mountain Standard Time (MST)
- Co-Presenters: Quechan Tribe & Elko Band of Te-Moak Tribe of Western Shoshone
CoP Call 2 – December 16, 2025 *updated date* at 10:00 AM MST
- Co-Presenters: Gila River Indian Community & Yavapai-Apache Nation
CoP Call 3 – February 3, 2026 at 10:00 AM MST
- Co-Presenters: Hopi Tribe & Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe
CoP Call 4 – March 31, 2026 at 10:00 AM MST *updated*
- Co-Presenters: San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe & Inter-Tribal Council of Nevada with Ft. McDermitt Paiute and Shoshone Tribe
CoP Call 5 - July 7, 2026 at 10:00 AM MST
- Co-Presenters: Hualapai Tribe & Ute Indian Tribe
CoP Call 6 - August 4, 2026 at 10:00 AM MST
- Co-Presenters: Tonto Apache Tribe & Battle Mountain Band of Te-Moak Tribe of Western Shoshone
WEBINARS
Webinar 3
- Presenters: Subawardee(s) from the California IHS Area
- Date: April 14, 2026
- Time: 10:00 AM MST
- Registration: https://itcaonline.zoom.us/meeting/register/QX_qaObNRgu4CsbvY216aw
Webinar 4 – “Year 2 Closeout & Year 3 Overview”
- Presenters: Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, Inc.
- Date: September 22, 2026
- Time: 10:00 AM MST
- Registration: https://itcaonline.zoom.us/meeting/register/rVKgUBrvTcOEkaZZHnos7Q
GHWIC WORK GROUPS (in-person)
GHWIC Work Group 1 – “Tribal Food Sovereignty”
Dates: February 18 – 20, 2026
- Day 1: 8am – 4pm
- Day 2: 8am – 4pm
- Day 3: 8am – Noon
- Registration required: Click here – Registration Form
- Draft agenda: Click here – Draft agenda
- Hotel booking link – Click here – hotel booking link
- NOTE: Hotel block ends on Tuesday, February 3, 2026
GHWIC Work Group 2
Dates: July 28-30, 2026 *updated*
- Times: 8am – 4pm
- Registration: TBA
TRAININGS (in-person)
Training 2
Dates: May 12 – 13, 2026
- Times: 8am – 4pm
- Registration: TBA
MHI Tribal Maternal Health Strategic Plan
In 2020, the Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, Inc. (ITCA), was contracted by the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) to develop a strategic plan in collaboration with tribal maternal health professionals. The Maternal Health Innovation program is funded nationally by HRSA and is designed to assist states in collaborating with maternal health experts and optimizing resources to implement state-specific actions that address disparities in maternal health and improve maternal health outcomes.
Program Purpose:
The purpose of the Maternal Health Innovation Program is to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity in American Indian communities in Arizona.
MHI Program Goals
- Improve maternal mortality and morbidity in Tribal communities
- Improve access to maternal health data surveillance
- Improve maternal health partnerships between tribal communities and the state
