Schedule | Agenda
as of 10/02/2024
Downloadable agenda-at-a-glance
Wild Horse Pass Conference Center | Chandler, Arizona
Workshop options
Construction 101 & 102 Workshops | Fee and Descriptions
For conference attendees with full-conference pass:
No additional fee is required.
Simply, arrive at the workshop location.
Display conference pass.
For non-conference attendees:
A workshop fee of $75.00 is required.
Register for CON 101 and 102.
The CON 101/102 pass only permits access to the CON 101/102 workshops and not the full conference.
CON 101 Course Descripton – How do you get there (a building) from here (an idea)? Construction starts with planning, design, and financing and continues until the structure is ready for occupancy. Tens of thousands of steps are usually required, especially in highly complex buildings, and numerous stakeholders (owners, building users, architects, contractors, subcontractors) are involved. This session will provide an overview of the evolution of a building project with special focus on unique issues related to building on Tribal lands.
CON 102 Course Description – Although Construction 101 is not a pre-requisite this workshop will expand on the concepts reviewed during Construction 101 and apply them to a conceptual case study. The case study will review each phase of the development process which includes planning, architectural design, and construction. For each phase of the development process a panel of experts will illustrate best practices as well as challenges.
Wednesday, October 2, 2024
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM | CONSTRUCTION 101: PLANNING, DESIGN, AND CONSTRUCTION
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | BREAK
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM | CONSTRUCTION 102: BEST PRACTICES CASE STUDY AND PROJECT REVIEW
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM | WELCOME RECEPTION
Thursday, October 3, 2024
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE (sessions/speakers are subject to change)
8:00 AM | Breakfast
8:00 AM – 9:30 AM | OPENING GENERAL SESSION I
Posting of Colors | American Legion Sacaton
Opening Prayer | Harry Antone
Master of Ceremonies | Bob Terry, Kenew
ASU President’s Office Welcome Address | Jacob Moore, ASU, Vice President and Special Advisor to the President on American Indian Affairs
Indian Country Update | Governor Stephen Lewis, Gila River Community
9:30 – 9:45 AM | BREAK
9:45 AM – 10:45 AM | BREAKOUT SESSIONS I
| Success in the federal marketplace through subcontracting Presented by: RD Plato, The Plato Group This session will guide you in developing a successful business model focused on supplying goods and services to federal construction projects as a first-tier subcontractor. Learn to become an indispensable component for your client – the prime contractor – by delivering key services in a manner that supports project success while allowing the prime to bring more focus to other project areas. This session will explore the processes that move your company from being one of many choices to being that one necessity the prime contractor must have for every project. |
| Healthcare design in Indian country: bridging expertise Presented by: Zoë Toledo, Selina Martinez and Stanley Schimke, Childers Architect The session “Healthcare Design in Indian Country: Bridging Expertise” delves into the integration of traditional knowledge with contemporary design to enhance healthcare facility outcomes for Native American communities. This panel will cover the following critical aspects: relationship building and awareness of cultural protocols, shared community knowledge / cultural design applications, architectural technical solutions, and mentorship for the next generation. We begin by emphasizing the importance of relationship building and cultural protocols for fostering trust and effective collaboration, with panelists sharing strategies for navigating these cultural landscapes through humility and ongoing engagement. The session will then highlight the role of shared community knowledge in design. We will explore cultural design applications, including architectural designs that reflect cultural values, creating welcoming and supportive healthcare environments. Finally, the session will address the importance of mentorship and training for the next generation of architectural professionals. By bridging expertise across these areas, this session aims to promote a holistic approach to healthcare design that honors cultural traditions and embraces innovation, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes in Indian Country. |
| The value of an owner’s representative and team assembly Presented by: Brock Eubanks, Connect Advisors and Bob Terry, Kenew This session will explore the pivotal role of an Owner’s Representative in ensuring project success and the importance of assembling the project team in the correct order. An Owner’s Representative serves as an advocate for the owner, ensuring that the project is executed according to the owner’s vision and interests. They bring valuable expertise, overseeing quality control, managing budgets, and facilitating effective stakeholder communication. We will discuss the critical responsibilities of an Owner’s Representative, including risk management, cost control, quality assurance, and schedule management. By proactively identifying potential issues and ensuring adherence to project specifications, Owners’ representatives help avoid costly delays and ensure compliance with regulations. This session will also cover why bringing on an Owner’s Representative early in the project is essential to setting the stage for efficient and effective project processes. Attendees will gain practical insights into how an Owner’s Representative can enhance each phase of their projects, ensuring effective management, budget control, and timely completion. By better understanding the critical sequence for assembling a project team, attendees will be equipped to avoid common pitfalls and achieve their project goals more efficiently. This session will empower participants with the knowledge to drive successful project outcomes and deliver meaningful community improvements. |
10:45 – 11:00 AM | BREAK
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | BREAKOUT SESSIONS II
| Innovative facility upgrades: Diné College path to sustainability Presented by: Tara Trafton, Yearout Energy Diné College has embarked on a transformative journey to enhance its facilities’ efficiency and sustainability through a $20M campus renovation using Energy Performance Contracting (EPC) with Yearout Energy. EPC is a design-build process with a focus on energy efficiency and guaranteed outcomes. This session will explore the project’s objectives, challenges, and successes, providing insights into best practices and lessons learned for implementing facility improvement measures. Attendees will learn about the comprehensive campus upgrades, including LED lighting, a 1 MW solar PV system, HVAC replacements, water fixture upgrades, and energy loss remediation which led to a 33% reduction in utility costs. This session will feature a brief presentation for background before diving into Q&A with a representative from Diné College and members of the Yearout Energy team, offering diverse perspectives on the building comfort, environmental, economic, and workforce development benefits of such projects. |
| Lessons learned: permitting for projects on Navajo Nation Presented by: Gwen Woods, Riley Engineering and Martin Manuel, CIIC at ASU Permitting for projects on tribal lands presents challenges related to the number of entities who must be informed and/or sign off on development projects, questions related to land status (particularly in “checkerboard” areas with a variety of land owners), and understanding a variety of permitting mechanisms that may be viable for a given project. Using the example of the permitting process for water loading stations on the Navajo Nation, we will discuss lessons learned and strategies to maximize the efficiency of the permitting process. |
| Xwch’angteng (whuh-CH-ang-tun) place of coming home. Presented by: Laura Herron and Adam Rose, Travois We will feature the recent success of the Samish Indian Nation as they took on building a 14-unit affordable housing development built for elders. These homes are believed to be the first built since the Samish were forced to leave their ancestral lands 120 years ago. Achieving community for Samish’s elderly, disabled, and low-income citizens was the major goal for this housing project. We will cover each phase of the development including design and construction and dig into the challenges of developing a project on a compact 2 acre site. |
12:00 PM – 2:30 PM | LUNCHEON – GENERAL SESSION II
“Coming full Circle” – Architecture and Cultural Identity – Advocacy for an American Indian Architecture
Presented by: Mark Harris, markharris Architects, PC
This keynote is designed to present a rationale towards meaning in architecture, itself a topic that can attract students, professionals, and ethnocultural advocates within the design community. In the process, it presents an interpretive framework for a) how American Indian values can be more meaningfully represented in their architecture today, but also b) how these values can become a more evolved and matured set of values for American architecture itself, specifically in the American West. This is specifically salient topic in architectural education and practice today, and as such, gives the American Indian culture a ‘seat at the table’ in helping to define American culture ‘writ-large’.
| Sustainable tribal development: the Jamul Indian Villiage master plan Presented by: Rhonda Harvey and Jeff Denzak, SWABACK and Kerry Patterson, Procopio and Chairwoman Erica M. Pinto, Jamul Indian Village The Jamul Indian Village Barrett Ranch Master Plan in Jamul, California, represents a pioneering initiative by the JIV Development Corporation in collaboration with SWABACK. This comprehensive master planning effort encompasses a diverse array of land uses, including Tribal offices, commercial, specialty retail, medical, hospitality, and residential developments. The overarching goal is to establish a clear and sustainable roadmap for future development that will bolster the Tribe’s economic security and sustainability for generations to come. Key immediate priorities of the project include the construction of a new Tribal Administration Center, a Community Health Clinic, an agrarian-oriented mixed-use village center, and a new residential community specifically designed for Tribal members. These developments aim to address critical needs within the community, enhancing quality of life while preserving cultural values and traditions. The planned groundbreaking in 2025 marks the commencement of a transformative journey towards a resilient and thriving community. This session will provide an in-depth exploration of the Barrett Ranch Master Plan, highlighting the challenges and innovative solutions encountered in the planning and design phases. Attendees will gain valuable insights into best practices from ongoing and completed projects, and the integration of emerging technologies in tribal housing infrastructure. The session is tailored for Tribal leaders, architects, contractors, and professionals involved in construction and architecture within Native American communities, offering practical strategies and inspiration for similar initiatives. Innovative building approaches in remote locations Presented by: James Murphy, Willmeng Construction and President Buu Nygren, Navajo Nation, Chairman Robert Miguel, AK-Chin Indian Community, Governor Stephen Lewis, Gila River Indian Community (Invited), Dr. Ty Redhead, Phoenix Area Director Indian Health Services This panel, made up of tribal leaders, preconstruction experts and Willmeng CEO James Murphy, will discuss their experience building throughout Native lands, in rural and remote locations. Discussing the planning necessary, the building options and types available for maximum efficiency and sustainability, the audience will explore multiple ideas on building best practices together. |
2:30 PM – 2:45 PM | BREAK
2:45 PM – 3:45 PM | BREAKOUT SESSIONS IV
| Electrical equipment, safety and maintenance per NFPA 70B Presented by: Ed Stadelman, Siemens Smart Infrastructure This presentation addresses the changes in NFPA 70B to a required standard. NFPA 70B provides guidelines for the maintenance of electrical equipment, emphasizing preventive maintenance to ensure the reliability and efficiency. The standard aligns with best practices in the industry and is intended to assist facility managers, maintenance personnel, and others responsible for electrical systems in implementing effective maintenance programs. |
| Washoe housing: leveraging housing resources across state lines Presented by: Adam Rose and Elsa Garcia, Travois How has the Washoe Housing Authority built rental homes for Tribal members in both CA and NV leveraging limited NAHASDA funds? Join WHA team to discuss various steps, challenges, and creativity that has resulted in more affordable housing for their community. |
| How to write an RFP that generates good response Presented by: Ronson Chee, PhD, Riley Engineering Requests for proposals (RFPs) are necessary to get the right consultants on your team for any project to be successful. Specifically looking at infrastructure from a civil engineering perspective, this session details the items for any tribal government to consider when developing an RFP. The goal is to help you get clear about the project you’re proposing, use project phasing when necessary, reduce change orders, and make sure you have the right consultant on board because you know what you’re looking for. |
3:45 PM – 4:00 PM | BREAK
4:00 PM – 4:45 PM | General Session
Creating collaborations in preparation for federal funding
Dr. Kristen Parrish and Dr. Nate Johnson, Arizona State University
Are you ready for the next federal funding opportunities? This session discusses how you can prepare your team now to be ready for a successful funding application.
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM | TRADE SHOW RECEPTION
Friday, October 4, 2024
8:00 AM | BREAKFAST
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM | BREAKOUT SESSIONS VI
| Increasing home ownership in tribal communities Presented by: Christopher Billey, Tribal homeownership coalition of the Southwest The Tribal Homeownership Coalition of the Southwest aims to address the persistent barriers to homeownership on tribal reservations through a comprehensive strategy. This proposal outlines the historical context, challenges, and actionable solutions to increase homeownership among tribal members. The unique cultural and regulatory conflicts between traditional communal land ownership and mainstream American homeownership concepts have left many tribal communities without the stability and wealth accumulation benefits that homeownership provides. This absence of a homeownership culture has significant negative impacts on tribal families and communities. Key strategies to overcome these challenges include robust homebuyer education and financial literacy programs to bridge the generational wealth gap and empower tribal members with the knowledge needed to navigate the homebuying process. Access to affordable financing is crucial, with an emphasis on understanding federal funding flows and providing support through federal-backed guarantee programs, down payment assistance, and subsidies. Additionally, developing housing infrastructure, attracting outside investment, and supporting a thriving housing industry ecosystem on reservations are essential steps. Finally, strong policy advocacy, capacity building, and collaborative partnerships are necessary to create a sustainable framework for increasing tribal homeownership. By addressing financial, educational, infrastructural, and regulatory barriers, the Tribal Homeownership Coalition of the Southwest seeks to enhance the quality of life for Native American families and promote economic stability and cultural continuity within tribal communities. |
| Shipping container homes and businesses Presented by: Matt Tunstall, United Painters Worldwide Shipping container homes and businesses offer a transformative solution for addressing housing and economic challenges faced by Native American communities. These versatile structures provide a cost-effective, sustainable, and rapid means of constructing durable living spaces and commercial facilities in areas where traditional building materials and labor may be scarce or prohibitively expensive. By repurposing decommissioned shipping containers, this approach promotes environmental sustainability and aligns with many Native American values of resourcefulness and respect for nature. Shipping container homes can be customized to meet the unique cultural and practical needs of Native American families. They can incorporate traditional architectural elements, communal living spaces, and facilities for cultural practices, fostering a sense of community and cultural continuity. The modular nature of these homes allows for easy expansion, accommodating growing families or additional communal spaces as needed. Additionally, these homes can be rapidly deployed to provide immediate relief in emergency situations, such as natural disasters, which disproportionately affect Native American reservations. Their robust construction makes them resilient to harsh weather conditions, ensuring long-term habitation and safety for occupants. Shipping container businesses also present significant economic opportunities. These structures can be used to create affordable retail spaces, offices, and workshops, enabling local entrepreneurship and economic development. By reducing the startup costs associated with traditional commercial buildings, container businesses make it easier for Native Americans to launch and sustain their own enterprises. This can lead to job creation, increased economic self-sufficiency, and the revitalization of local economies. Moreover, the construction of shipping container homes and businesses can create job opportunities within the community, fostering local economic development and skill-building. Training programs focused on the construction and maintenance of these structures can empower community members with valuable skills, leading to further economic opportunities. In summary, shipping container homes and businesses offer a versatile, economical, and culturally sensitive solution for Native American communities. By leveraging these innovative structures, it is possible to address both immediate housing needs and long-term economic development goals, ultimately enhancing the quality of life and preserving the cultural heritage of Native American populations…Asia. |
| Construction monitoring is the key to completing your tribal project on time and on budget Presented by: Kevin Krueger, CPA Wipfli Developing and building facilities across your community is exciting but stressful. Construction is a foreign language and is often outside your daily routine and expertise of your staff. Join this session to discuss ways to effectively monitor large construction or capital projects so your tribal leadership can have confidence in budgets and timelines to support your operational needs. Construction is time consuming for your existing staff. Developing the skillset or having trusted partners who speaks the language and understands the nuances of construction can be cost effective and help you achieve your desired end result and keep your staffs focused on running your business. Our presentation will give tribal planning/construction staff an overview of the various responsibilities and opportunities before and during a construction project, including Cost Tracking, Schedule Analysis, and Effective Communication. |
10:00 AM – 10:15 AM | BREAK
10:15 AM – 11:15 AM | BREAKOUT SESSIONS VII
| Indigineous perspectives on new climate solutions and technologies Presented by: Dr. Clark Miller, Dr. Liliana Caughman, and Dr. Lauren Keeler, Arizona State University and Dr. Jennifer Wade, Northern Arizona University Solving climate change is a critical challenge that involves fundamental changes in how human societies produce and consume energy. This workshop will engage tribal leaders in a dialogue about climate change, clean energy, and new climate technologies and solutions. The goals are, first, to share new research on climate technologies and solutions from Arizona universities with tribal leaders and, second, to invite tribal leaders to share their values and perspectives on how Arizona should tackle this challenge. The workshop will specifically focus on technologies that directly capture carbon dioxide from the air. These technologies have the potential to offset current carbon emissions and also to clean up carbon that’s already in the atmosphere from historical emissions. At the same time, they raise important questions about land, water, and below-ground storage of carbon. Arizona State University and Northern Arizona University are world leaders in innovation in this field. The workshop will seek the input of tribal business, government, and technical leaders on these technologies and how they fit or don’t fit with tribal values and perspectives on climate change, climate solutions, the development of clean energy, economic development, and tribal sovereignty. We hope to seed conversations that can continue beyond the workshop to help design future climate solutions and technologies that advance and support tribal values, cultures, and sovereignty. Pre-project planning for construction projects Presented by: Dr. Brianne Arviso, Arviso Construction Pre-project planning is the process that occurs after a project idea has been established and before the project reaches the detailed design and construction phase. The greatest ability to influence cost is in the pre-project planning phase of a project. Decisions made during the early stages of the project life cycle have a much greater influence on a project’s outcome than those made in later stages. The Project Definition Rating Index (PDRI), composed of 3 sections, 11 categories, 64 elements, and 42 pages of detailed element descriptions, is an easy-to-use tool for measuring the completeness of project scope definition on commercial and general building projects. The objective of this tool is to enhance greater advance planning efforts to produce greater project success in terms of lower cost variance, less schedule slippage, and fewer change orders. The PDRI has been tailored for tribal building projects, aiming to address specific challenges faced on tribal lands to maximize the benefits of construction services for all parties involved (tribal owners, architects, and contractors). Join this session to learn more. |
11:15 AM – 11:30 AM | BREAK
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM | CLOSING LUNCHEON – GENERAL SESSION III
Donate to CIIC
Make a donation to Construction in Indian Country through the ASU Foundation