Durglo recognized as ‘Champion of Change’
Karen Peterson
Michael Durglo, CSKT Environmental Protection Division manager, helps students scout for aquatic invasive species at Blue Bay during the spring.
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News from the White House
WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Friday, July 15, the White House recognized Michael Durglo of Pablo among ten individuals from across the country as “White House Champions of Change for Climate Equity.”
Durglo is a tribal elder serving as the Environmental Protection Division Manager for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. He began his career in environmental advocacy in 1979, and has since worked for his tribe in a variety of positions including tribal police officer, wildlife conservation officer, wetland conservation coordinator, and water quality regulatory specialist. Michael has further influenced environmental policy through his former position on the CSKT Tribal Council and current position on the National Tribal Science Council.
In these roles and others, Michael has overseen a wide variety of environmental initiatives. In 2013, he led CSKT in developing a climate change strategic plan to address the effects of climate change on the Flathead Reservation and set a powerful example for other tribes as they develop strategies to protect the cultural and environmental resources. He has also worked to engage community youth in sustainability projects through the Environmental Advocates for Global Logical Ecological Sustainability (EAGLES) Program.
The White House selected Durglo and nine other individuals for their work empowering low-income and underserved communities to prepare for and adapt to climate change. These leaders have initiated powerful changes to ensure that those most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change have the resources they need to thrive and build resilient communities.
Other recipients included Esau Sinnok, Shishmaref, Alaska; Colette Pichon Battle, Sidell, Louisiana; Vien Truong, Oakland, California; Gilbert Campbell, Washington, DC; Cecilia Martinez, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Desiree Williams-Rajee, Portland, Oregon; Susana De Anda, Visalia, California; Kristin Baja, Baltimore, Maryland; and Michael Green, Boston, Massachusetts.
Friday’s program featured remarks by Council on Environmental Quality Managing Director Christy Goldfuss and White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Director Dr. John Holdren.
The Champions of Change program was created as an opportunity for the White House to feature individuals doing extraordinary things to empower and inspire members of their communities.
