Virgil's commitment to ensure that ITEP provide tribally sensitive air quality training has enabled tribes to establish tribal air programs for the protection of tribal airsheds and cultural resources for present and future generations while fulfilling the goals of the Clean Air Act.
On March 16, 2005, Indian Country lost an extraordinary person, Virgil Masayesva, Director and co-founder of the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP), Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona.
Tribes from throughout the nation have benefited from the air quality and environmental workshops, conferences, and meetings that ITEP provide. Through Virgil's work and commitment towards creating ITEP, he has changed the lives of tribal air quality representatives and tribes forever.
With his passing, the loss of Virgil's kindness, creativity, determination, dedication to enhancing and supporting tribal air programs, and his friendship and leadership has created an emptiness that will never be filled.
ITEP and Virgil's family have organized a service to Honor and Celebrate Virgil's Life. The services will take place on Saturday April 9, 2005, 10am - 12pm, in Flagstaff, Arizona at Northern Arizona University.
For more information, please visit the Virgil Masayesva Memorial Website at http://www4.nau.edu/itep/virgil/index.asp
Information about the Virgil Masayesva Native American Environmental Education Scholarship Fund is also posted on ITEP's website.
Our deepest sympathies and condolences are extended to Virgil's family, friends, and ITEP.