About Us: Mission, Goals & Governance

The National Tribal Air Association was founded in 2000 with a grant from the United States Environmental Protection Agency Office of Air and Radiation.

OUR MISSION

The mission of the NTAA is to advance air quality management policies and programs, consistent with the needs, interests, and unique legal status of American Indian Tribes and Alaska Natives.

Left: NTAA Executive Committee at the 2025 NTFAQ hosted by the Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians in Rincon, California.

NTAA Wins Clean Air Excellence Award

NTAA was awarded EPA’s Clean Air Excellence Award in State/Tribal/Local Air Quality Policy in 2020. Click the button below to learn more about this achievement.

In 2022 the National Tribal Air Association celebrated its 20th year anniversary!

Over the years we’ve had many EC Representatives and partners who have shown dedication to do the work and promote the safety and wellbeing of our people! We thank you to for your dedication to air quality. As we celebrate life and clean air, check out our 20th Anniversary Tribute video! The video includes interviews and stories from previous EC members, staff, and partners.

GOALS

Advocate and advance Tribal environmental, cultural, and economic interests in the development of air policy at all levels of government (Tribal, federal, state, local, and international).
Promote the development, funding, and capacity building of Tribal air management programs.
Promote and facilitate air quality policy and technical information that may include research and scientific and medical studies.
Advance the recognition and acceptance of Tribal sovereign authority by conducting effective communication and outreach to state, local, federal, and international agencies, and the general public.
Encourage and support appropriate consultation with all Tribal governments in accordance with Tribal structures and policies.

WORK GROUPS OVERVIEW

NTAA’s work groups are one of the ways we partner with Tribal air professionals and assist them as they develop policies and programs to address specific air quality issues. Work groups may be created, or disbanded, as needed. Currently there are two active work groups: Alaska Air and Wildfire Smoke. Find out more about what each group does and how to participate.