Tribal Energy Equity Summit 2024 - Tribal Energy Equity Summit

SAVE THE DATE
MAY 5-8, 2025

Ojibwe & Dakota Territory
St. Paul, Minnesota

Intercontinental Saint Paul Riverfront Hotel
a Mille Lacs Band Property

Highlights from 2023

In 2023, the inaugural Tribal Energy Equity Summit brought together leaders from both Tribal and Federal governments, along with tribe-supporting organizations, for four days of meaningful and effective dialogue about clean energy siting, interconnection, and other critical

considerations affecting a just transition. Momentous agreements were made, and impactful collaborations were launched. TEES 2024 will continue this important dialogue and focus on the most pressing energy issues facing tribes at this pivotal moment in time.

The Power Of Unity

In a groundbreaking convening in 2023, the first-ever Tribal Energy Equity Summit (TEES) convened Native American tribal leaders and Federal Government officials for the first time, fostering crucial dialogue on an equitable transition to clean energy for tribes. This historic Summit prioritized relationship-building and addressed pivotal issues, including electricity rate disparities and the historical inequities and exploitation tied to energy siting, transmission, and interconnection that have impacted tribes throughout history.

Learn More

The first TEES marked not only a momentous event but a pivotal step towards a self-determined and equitable clean energy future. While the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) pledged substantial funding for clean energy, its transformative potential to positively impact tribes hinges on vital changes in capacity building and grid interconnection policies, as well as addressing gaps not covered by federal funding.

The 2024 Tribal Energy Equity Summit agenda centers on holding our government accountable for equitable energy policy and providing timely and important information and resources to support tribes in their self-determined pursuit of a clean energy future. Interactive conversations on vital subjects such as energy access, interconnection challenges, and overcoming financial barriers will be led by expert native facilitators. Leading tribal and industry experts will host conversations on long-term energy planning, innovative financing, and leveraging beneficial tax legislation. The Summit aims to foster listening and learning for all attendees and the cultivation of partnership opportunities that are beneficial for tribes.

TEES is open to leaders from federally and state-recognized tribes at no cost and to their supporting organizations at a fee. Travel stipends are available for qualifying tribal participants.

Learn More

TEES is open to leaders from federally and state-recognized tribes at no cost and to their supporting organizations at a fee. Travel stipends are available for qualifying tribal participants.

Presented By

Where

Muscogee Nation River Spirit Resort 8330 Riverside Parkway, Tulsa, OK

BOOK YOUR HOTEL ROOM HERE

Limited rooms at this discounted rate are available until

March 15, 2024.

When

Monday, March 18 through

Thursday, March 21, 2024

We extend our sincere gratitude to the Muscogee Tribe for offering significantly discounted hotel rates and conference venue for the Summit

2024 Speakers Include

*Confirmed speakers are being added daily. Check back often for updates.

Chief Mutáwi Mutáhash (Many Hearts) Marilynn “Lynn” Malerba

Treasurer of the United States,
Chief of the Mohegan Tribe

Anthony Morgan Rodman

Executive Director, White House Council on Native American Affairs

Fatima Abbas

(Haliwa Saponi)

Director, Office of Tribal and Native Affairs, U.S. Department of Treasury

Ken Ahmann

Tribal Utility Director, Colusa Indian Energy

Bob Blake

(Red Lake Nation)

E.D. Native Sun Community Development

Kevin Blaser

(Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe)

Migizi Economic Development Company

Daniel Cardenas

(Pit River)

Center for Native American Mining and Energy Sovereignty, Colorado School of Mines

Samantha Childress

Microgrid Partner & Strategy Leader, Schneider Electric

Derek Chung

Chief Business Officer,

BlackTeal Energy

Greg Clark

Co-Founder, Denrgy LLC

Chrystel Cornelius

(Oneida, Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians)

President & CEO, Oweesta Corporation

Matt Dannenberg

(Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa)
Senior Tribal Liaison, Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs,
U.S. Department of Energy

James Dryden

Senior Development Project Manager at EDP Renewables

Erin Dayl

Business Development Director, Seneca Environmental

Jeffrey Ellis

CEO, Seneca Holdings & Seneca Environmental

Sarah Fick

(Pokagon Band of Potawatomi)

Project Developer, Recurrent Energy

Wizipan Little Elk Garriott (Rosebud)

Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary , Office of the Assistant Secretary, Indian Affairs, U.S. Department of the Interior

Anthony Giacobbe

General Manager, Seneca Energy

Zechariah Harjo

(Muscogee Creek Nation)

Secretary of the Nation

David Harper

(CRIT/Mohave)

Head of Tribal Engagement, Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy

Sydney Harper

(Colorado River Indian Tribes)

Program Associate, Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy

Chase Iron Eyes

(Oglala Sioux)

Director and Lead Counsel,
Lakota People’s Law Project

Dr. Lyla June Johnston

(Navajo, Cheyenne)

Human Ecologist, Community Organizer, Poet, Singer-Songwriter, Hip-Hop Artist

Lesley Kabotie

(Crow Tribe of Montana)

President, Indigenous Collaboration Inc.

Summit Facilitator

Paul Kabotie

(Hopi Tribe)
Vice President, Indigenous Collaboration Inc.
Summit Facilitator

Paul Kelleher

Vice President, Red Flow

Sven Kaludzinski

Partner, Clean Energy Counsel

Pu’uhonua Dennis “Bumpy” Kanahele

President, Nation of Hawai’i

The Honorable
Suedeen G. Kelly

Partner, Jenner & Block

former Commissioner, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)

Joel Laubenstein
Principal, Baker Tilly

Onna LeBeau

(Omaha tribe of Nebraska)

Director, U.S. Department of the Interior

Office of Indian Economic Development

Ben Luxenberg

Renewables Development, Galehead Development

Brandon Makaawaawa

Vice President,

Nation of Hawai’i

Jordan Meehan

Policy Advisor, Transmission Division, Grid Deployment Office, U.S. Department of Energy

Malcolm McCulloch
Prof Energy Systems, Energy and Power Group
Dept of Engineering Science, Oxford University

Joe McNeil

(Standing Rock Sioux Tribe)

General Manager, SAGE Development Authority

Meg Nyberg

Spartan Engineering

Chairman Timothy Nuvangyaoma

Chairman of the Hopi Tribe

Mary Palmer

Director, Energy Equity & Inclusion, Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA)

Liz Perez

(North Fork Rancheria)

CEO & Founder, Native American Energy Services Co.

Sunny Rahul

Co-Founder and COO

BlackTeal Energy

Dr. Raymond “Studie” RedCorn

(Osage)

Policy Analyst, Office of Indian Energy, U.S. Department of Energy

Jennifer Rouda

Head of Technical Assistance & Project Finance, Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy

Bill Saporito

Tribal Utility Development Manager, Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy

Chairman David Sickey

(Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana)

Senior Consultant, Tribal Energy Finance Program, Loan Programs Office, U.S. Department of Energy

Chéri Smith

(Mi’kmaq Descendant)

President & CEO, Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy

Sherry Stout

Program Manager, State, Local and Tribal Programs, National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Pilar Thomas

(Pascua Yaqui)

Partner, Quarles & Brady LLP,
former U.S. Departments of Justice, Energy,

and Indian Affairs

Thomas Tortez

Chairman, Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians

Joseph Valandra

(Sicangu Lakota)

CEO and Chairman, Tribal Ready

Don Wingate

Vice-president of Sales, Schneider Electric

Ray Wiseman

General Manager, Yakama Power

Jen Yoshimura

(Kānaka Maoli/Native Hawaiian)

Energy Justice and Equity Leader and Advisor at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL)

Monica Paradise

(Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation)

Tribal Liaison – Western Region, Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy

Emerging Leaders

Angelina Papakee

(Meskwaki Nation of Iowa)

Coordinator, Preferred Provider Program, Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy

Chinenye Mbonu

PhD candidate,

University of Oxford

Jasmine Lamb

(Passamaquoddy)

Resilience Committee/

University of Maine

Jennifer Jones

PhD candidate,

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Josiah Jacobs

(Pit River Tribe)
TERO

*Speakers are being added daily and are subject to change

Agenda

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Pre-summit, Monday, March 18, 2024

7:30 am–6:00 pm | Registration / Badge Pickup

8:30 am–8:40 am | Pre-Summit Opening and Welcome

David Harper, ATCE (Colorado River Indian Tribes/Mohave)

8:40 am – 9:15 ATCE Preferred Development Provider Panel: Partnering with Tribes

Moderator:

Jennifer Rouda and Thomas Steirer (Tonawanda Band of Seneca), Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy

Speakers:

Ken Ahmann, Colusa Indian Energy

Ben Luxenberg, Galehead
Vicki Ayres Portman, Invenergy
James Dryden, EDP
Erin Dayl, Seneca Environmental

9:15 am-10:30 am | ATCE Preferred Service Provider Panel: Innovative Solutions

Moderator:

David Karabelnikoff (Knik Tribe – Aleut and Athabaskan), Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy

Speakers:

Mark Higgins, Red Flow
Candice Long, KPMG
Sunny Rahul, BlackTeal Energy
Adam Miller, Sunnova
Greg Clark, Denrgy
Edith Baker, Swift Creek(Muscogee)

10:30 am–11:00 am | Refreshment Break

11:00 am–12:30 pm | Workshop: Tribal Clean Energy Finance Primer

Topics:

Negotiating Power Purchase Agreements with Green Energy Buyers
Planning the Capital Stack for Financing Tribal Clean Energy Projects
Renewable Energy Project Development Basics

Facilitators/Presenters:

Bill Cornelius, Baker Tilly
Don Wingate & Samantha Childress, Schneider Electric
Sarah Fink (Pokagon Band of Potawatomi), Recurrent Energy
Robert Blake (Red Lake Nation), Native Sun Community Power Development
Sven Kaludzinski, Clean Energy Counsel
Meg Nyberg, Spartan Engineering
Kevin Blaser, Migizi Economic Development Company (Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe)
Liz Perez, CEO & Founder, Native American Energy Services Co. (North Fork Rancheria)

12:30 pm –1:30 pm | Lunch Presentation: Renewables 101

Shaun Tsabetsaye (Zuni Pueblo), Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy

1:30 pm –5:00 pm | Tribal Utilities Workshop (see separate agenda here)

For Tribal utility general managers and Tribal renewable energy champions evaluating the formation of new tribal utilities and tribal energy development organizations (TEDOs).

Moderator:

Bill Saporito, Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy

Speakers:

Ken Ahmann, Colusa Indian Energy
Ray Wiseman, Yakama Power
Kevin Blaser, Migizi Economic Development Company (Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe)
Roderick Phillip, Puvurnaq Power Company

4:15 pm – 4:45 pm | Presentation by Mary Palmer, Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA)

5:00 pm–6:30 pm | Opening Reception & Cultural Performance

6:30 pm–8:30 pm | Speaker Dinner

Day 1, Tuesday, March 19, 2024

7:00 am–8:30 am | Breakfast Topic Tables

8:30 am–9:30 am | Opening Ceremonies

David Harper, Head of Tribal Engagement, Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy
Posting of the Colors / Drum Group
Invocations
Secretary of the Nation Zechariah Harjo, Muscogee (Creek) Nation
Assistant Principal Chief, Osage Nation R.J. Walker, (Osage)
Chéri Smith – President & CEO, ATCE
Lesley & Paul Kabotie, Summit Facilitators, Indigenous Collaboration

EQUITY DIALOGUE CIRCLES

9:30 am–10:30 am | Executive Order 14112: Reforming Federal Funding and Support for Tribal Nations to Better Embrace Our Trust Responsibilities and Promote the Next Era of Tribal Self-Determination
Speakers:

Anthony “Morgan” Rodman (Cherokee, Osage), Executive Director, White House Council on Native American Affairs, U.S. Department of the Interior
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Wizipan Little Elk Garriott (Rosebud), Office of the Assistant Secretary, Indian Affairs, U.S. Department of the Interior
Fatima Abbas (Haliwa Saponi), Director, Office of Tribal and Native Affairs, U.S. Department of Treasury
Matthew Dannenberg (Bad River), Senior Tribal Liaison, Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs, U.S. Department of Energy

10:30 am–10:45 am | Refreshment Break

10:45 am–11:45 am | Keynote Address
Chief Lynn Malerba (Mohegan), Treasurer of the United States, U.S. Department of Treasury

11:45 am–1:00 pm | Buffet Lunch – Topic Tables

IMMERSIVE SESSIONS

1:00 pm-4:00 pm | Sovereign Power: Forging the Path to a Clean Energy Future

Closed Session for Tribal leaders (or designated representatives)

Facilitators:

Lesley Kabotie (Crow) and Paul Kabotie (Hopi), Indigenous Collaboration

1:00pm-4:00 pm | Native Nation Acclimation: Bridging Cultural Divides
Overview of the overall history, legal entitlements, culture, and general political and economic frameworks of Tribal Nations in the United States.

Presenters:

David Harper (Mojave), Head of Tribal Engagement & Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Justice
Lindsey X. Watchman (Umatilla), Head of Learning & Workforce Development, Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy

5:30 pm–8:00 pm | Cultural Reception: Sharing the Spirit of Powwow / Musical Performance

Sharing the spirit of Powwow: Traditional music and dance
Drum Group/Singers/Jingle and Fancy Dancers
Intertribal/Round Dance – Group Participation
Special Musical Performance by Lyla June (Navajo/Cheyenne)

Day 2, Wednesday, March 20, 2024

7:00 am – 8:30 am | Breakfast – Topic Tables

8:30 am – 9:00 am | Spark Talk: Dr. Lyla June (Navajo/Cheyenne)

9:00 am – 10:00 am | IRA Impact Assessment: The Tribal Perspective on Grid Modernization
Moderator:

Pilar Thomas (Pascua Yaqui), Partner, Quarles & Brady, LLP

Speakers:

Chairman Timothy Nuvangyaoma (Hopi), Chairman, Hopi Tribe
Thomas Tortez (Torres Martinez), Chairman, Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians
Janet Poitra, Deputy Executive Director, Nez Perce Tribe, Nimiipuu Energy
Ray Wiseman, Rep. Yakama Nation

10:30 am–10:45 am | Refreshment Break

10:45 am–11:45 am | IRA Impact Assessment: The Federal Perspective on Grid Modernizations

Moderator:

Wendolyn Holland, Senior Advisor, Policy, Tax & Government Relations
Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy

Speakers:

The Honorable Suedeen Kelly, Partner, Jenner & Block LLP
Keith Masill, Deputy Director, State, International and Public Affairs Division, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Jordan Meehan, Policy Advisor, Transmission Division, Grid Deployment Office, U.S. Department of Energy
Jeremy Twitchell, Senior Energy Analyst, Pacific Northwest National Laboratories

11:45 am–12:45 pm | Equity Action Update: Agency Reports on Progress-Executive Order 14112

Moderator:

Cheri Smith, President & CEO (Mik’maq), Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy

Speakers:

Anthony “Morgan” Rodman, (Cherokee, Osage), Executive Director, White House Council on Native American Affairs, U.S. Department of the Interior
Dr. Raymond “Studie” RedCorn (Osage), Policy Analyst, Office of Indian Energy, U.S. Department of Energy
Onna LeBeau (Omaha), Director, Office of Indian Economic Development, U.S. Department of Interior

12:55 pm–1:45 pm | Lunch Spark: Preparation for EPA Solar for All Program

Moderator:

Wendolyn Holland, Sr. Advisor, Policy & Tax, Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy

Speakers:

Chrystel Cornelius (Oneida), CEO and President, Oweesta Corporation
Talia Martin (Shoshone Bannock), Director, Tribal Programs, GRID Alternatives
Pilar Thomas (Pascua Yaqui), Partner, Quarles & Brady, LLP

1:45 pm-2:15 pm | Spark Talk: Equity, Sovereignty & Self-Determination

Chase Iron Eyes (Oglala Sioux), Director and Lead Counsel
Lakota People’s Law Project

2:15 pm–3:30 pm | Equitable & Effective Approaches to Tribal Energy Finance

Speakers:

Chairman David Sickey (Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana), Senior Consultant, Tribal Energy Finance Program, Loan Programs Office, U.S. Department of Energy
Chrystel Cornelius (Oneida), CEO and President, Oweesta Corporation
Ruth Madrigal, Principal, leader, Exempt Organizations, Washington National Tax, KPMG
Jeffrey Ellis, CEO, Seneca Holdings & Seneca Environmental

3:30 pm – 3:45 pm | Refreshment Break

3:45 pm – 4:00 pm | Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy 2024 Legacy Award Presentation by Sandra Begay

4:00 pm – 5:00 pm | Community Benefits Plans: Leveraging Justice 40 to Protect Our Lands & People

Fireside Chat:

Dr. Raymond “Studie” RedCorn (Osage), Policy Analyst, Office of Indian Energy, U.S. Department of Energy

5:00-6:30 pm | Cultural Reception & Performance

Dinner – On Your Own

Day 3, Thursday, March 21, 2024

7:00 am – 8:30 am | Breakfast – Topic Tables

8:30 am – 10:00 am | Tribal “Poly Utilities:” Renewables + EVs + Broadband

Moderator:

Joseph Valandra (Sicangu), CEO and Chairman, Tribal Ready

Speakers:

Robert Blake (Red Lake), Founder and CEO, Solar Bear
Pilar Thomas (Pascua Yaqui), Partner, Quarles & Brady LLP
Joseph McNeil (Standing Rock), General Manager, SAGE Development Authority

10:00 am–10:30 am | Spark Talk – A Story of Sovereignty: The Nation of Hawai’i Peace Treaties

Speakers:

Pu’uhonua Dennis Kanahele, President, Nation of Hawai’i
Brandon Makaawaawa, Vice President, Nation of Hawai’i
John Kealoha Garcia, Second Vice President, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Commerce, Nation of Hawai’i

10:30 am–10:45 am | Refreshment Break

10:45 am–11:45 am | Critical Materials: Advancing Clean Energy While Safeguarding Mother Earth & Our Treaty Rights

Moderator:

Matthew Dannenberg (Bad River), Senior Tribal Liaison, Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs, U.S. Department of Energy

Speakers:

Daniel Cardenas (Pit River), Center for Native American Mining and Energy Sovereignty, Colorado School of Mines

11:45 pm–2:00 pm | Facilitated Roundtables: Reflection and Integration

Facilitators:

Lesley Kabotie (Crow) and Paul Kabotie (Hopi), Indigenous Collaboration
– Path Forward – Action Items and Commitments

2:00 pm – 3:00 pm | Emerging Leaders Feedback Forum
(Young professionals share their evaluation and insights)

Moderator:

Sydney Harper, Program Associate, Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy

Speakers:

Josiah Jacobs, (Pit River) TERO
Chinenye Mbonu, PhD candidate, University of Oxford
Angelina Papakee (Meskwaki Nation of Iowa), Preferred Provider Program Coordinator, Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy
Jennifer Jones, PhD Candidate, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Jasmine Lamb, (Passamaquoddy Tribe at Pleasant Point) Sipayik Resilience Committee/PhD Candidate University of Maine
Marissa Sisk (Muscogee) MS Candidate, University of California, Santa Barbara

3:00 pm – 4:00 pm | Closing Ceremony – Retiring of the Colors

Lesley & Paul Kabotie, Indigenous Collaboration
Dave Harper – Head of Tribal Engagement, Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy
Retiring of the Colors & Drum Group/Singers
Chéri Smith – President & CEO, Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy

Pre-Summit March 18, 2024
Day 1March 19, 2024
Day 2March 20, 2024
Day 3March 21, 2024

Pre Summit
Monday

7:30 am–6:00 pm | Registration / Badge Pickup

8:30 am–8:40 am | Pre-Summit Opening and Welcome

David Harper, ATCE (Colorado River Indian Tribes/Mohave)

8:40 am – 9:15 ATCE Preferred Development Provider Panel: Partnering with Tribes

Moderator:

Jennifer Rouda and Thomas Steirer (Tonawanda Band of Seneca), Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy

Speakers:

Ken Ahmann, Colusa Indian Energy

Ben Luxenberg, Galehead
Vicki Ayres Portman, Invenergy
James Dryden, EDP
Erin Dayl, Seneca Environmental

9:15 am-10:30 am | ATCE Preferred Service Provider Panel: Innovative Solutions

Moderator:

David Karabelnikoff (Knik Tribe – Aleut and Athabaskan), Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy

Speakers:

Mark Higgins, Red Flow
Candice Long, KPMG
Sunny Rahul, BlackTeal Energy
Adam Miller, Sunnova
Greg Clark, Denrgy
Edith Baker, Swift Creek(Muscogee)

10:30 am–11:00 am | Refreshment Break

11:00 am–12:30 pm | Workshop: Tribal Clean Energy Finance Primer

Topics:

Negotiating Power Purchase Agreements with Green Energy Buyers
Planning the Capital Stack for Financing Tribal Clean Energy Projects
Renewable Energy Project Development Basics

Facilitators/Presenters:

Bill Cornelius, Baker Tilly
Don Wingate & Samantha Childress, Schneider Electric
Sarah Fick (Pokagon Band of Potawatomi), Recurrent Energy
Robert Blake (Red Lake Nation), Native Sun Community Power Development
Sven Kaludzinski, Clean Energy Counsel
Meg Nyberg, Spartan Engineering
Kevin Blaser, Migizi Economic Development Company (Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe)
Liz Perez, CEO & Founder, Native American Energy Services Co. (North Fork Rancheria)

12:30 pm –1:30 pm | Lunch Presentation: Renewables 101

Shaun Tsabetsaye (Zuni Pueblo), Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy

1:30 pm –5:00 pm | Tribal Utilities Workshop (see separate agenda here)

For Tribal utility general managers and Tribal renewable energy champions evaluating the formation of new tribal utilities and tribal energy development organizations (TEDOs).

Moderator:

Bill Saporito, Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy

Speakers:

Ken Ahmann, Colusa Indian Energy
Ray Wiseman, Yakama Power
Kevin Blaser, Migizi Economic Development Company (Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe)
Roderick Phillip, Puvurnaq Power Company

4:15 pm – 4:45 pm | Presentation by Mary Palmer, Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA)

5:00 pm–6:30 pm | Opening Reception & Cultural Performance

6:30 pm–8:30 pm | Speaker Dinner

Day 1
Tuesday

7:00 am–8:30 am | Breakfast Topic Tables

8:30 am–9:30 am | Opening Ceremonies

David Harper, Head of Tribal Engagement, Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy
Posting of the Colors / Drum Group
Invocations
Secretary of the Nation Zechariah Harjo, Muscogee (Creek) Nation
Assistant Principal Chief, Osage Nation R.J. Walker, (Osage)
Chéri Smith – President & CEO, ATCE
Lesley & Paul Kabotie, Summit Facilitators, Indigenous Collaboration

EQUITY DIALOGUE CIRCLES

Anthony “Morgan” Rodman (Cherokee, Osage), Executive Director, White House Council on Native American Affairs, U.S. Department of the Interior
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Wizipan Little Elk Garriott (Rosebud), Office of the Assistant Secretary, Indian Affairs, U.S. Department of the Interior
Fatima Abbas (Haliwa Saponi), Director, Office of Tribal and Native Affairs, U.S. Department of Treasury
Matthew Dannenberg (Bad River), Senior Tribal Liaison, Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs, U.S. Department of Energy

10:30 am–10:45 am | Refreshment Break

10:45 am–11:45 am | Keynote Address
Chief Lynn Malerba (Mohegan), Treasurer of the United States, U.S. Department of Treasury

11:45 am–1:00 pm | Buffet Lunch – Topic Tables

IMMERSIVE SESSIONS

1:00 pm-4:00 pm | Sovereign Power: Forging the Path to a Clean Energy Future

Closed Session for Tribal leaders (or designated representatives)

Facilitators:

Lesley Kabotie (Crow) and Paul Kabotie (Hopi), Indigenous Collaboration

Presenters:

David Harper (Mojave), Head of Tribal Engagement & Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Justice
Lindsey X. Watchman (Umatilla), Head of Learning & Workforce Development, Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy

5:30 pm–8:00 pm | Cultural Reception: Sharing the Spirit of Powwow / Musical Performance

Sharing the spirit of Powwow: Traditional music and dance
Drum Group/Singers/Jingle and Fancy Dancers
Intertribal/Round Dance – Group Participation
Special Musical Performance by Lyla June (Navajo/Cheyenne)

Day 2
Wednesday

7:00 am – 8:30 am | Breakfast – Topic Tables

8:30 am – 9:00 am | Spark Talk: Dr. Lyla June (Navajo/Cheyenne)

9:00 am – 10:00 am | IRA Impact Assessment: The Tribal Perspective on Grid Modernization
Moderator:

Pilar Thomas (Pascua Yaqui), Partner, Quarles & Brady, LLP

Speakers:

Chairman Timothy Nuvangyaoma (Hopi), Chairman, Hopi Tribe
Thomas Tortez (Torres Martinez), Chairman, Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians
Janet Poitra, Deputy Executive Director, Nez Perce Tribe, Nimiipuu Energy
Ray Wiseman, Rep. Yakama Nation

10:30 am–10:45 am | Refreshment Break

10:45 am–11:45 am | IRA Impact Assessment: The Federal Perspective on Grid Modernizations

Moderator:

Wendolyn Holland, Senior Advisor, Policy, Tax & Government Relations
Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy

Speakers:

The Honorable Suedeen Kelly, Partner, Jenner & Block LLP
Keith Masill, Deputy Director, State, International and Public Affairs Division, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Jordan Meehan, Policy Advisor, Transmission Division, Grid Deployment Office, U.S. Department of Energy
Jeremy Twitchell, Senior Energy Analyst, Pacific Northwest National Laboratories

11:45 am–12:45 pm | Equity Action Update: Agency Reports on Progress-Executive Order 14112

Moderator:

Cheri Smith, President & CEO (Mik’maq), Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy

Speakers:

Anthony “Morgan” Rodman, (Cherokee, Osage), Executive Director, White House Council on Native American Affairs, U.S. Department of the Interior
Dr. Raymond “Studie” RedCorn (Osage), Policy Analyst, Office of Indian Energy, U.S. Department of Energy
Onna LeBeau (Omaha), Director, Office of Indian Economic Development, U.S. Department of Interior

12:55 pm–1:45 pm | Lunch Spark: Preparation for EPA Solar for All Program

Moderator:

Wendolyn Holland, Sr. Advisor, Policy & Tax, Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy

Speakers:

Chrystel Cornelius (Oneida), CEO and President, Oweesta Corporation
Talia Martin (Shoshone Bannock), Director, Tribal Programs, GRID Alternatives
Pilar Thomas (Pascua Yaqui), Partner, Quarles & Brady, LLP

1:45 pm-2:15 pm | Spark Talk: Equity, Sovereignty & Self-Determination

Chase Iron Eyes (Oglala Sioux), Director and Lead Counsel
Lakota People’s Law Project

2:15 pm–3:30 pm | Equitable & Effective Approaches to Tribal Energy Finance

Speakers:

Chairman David Sickey (Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana), Senior Consultant, Tribal Energy Finance Program, Loan Programs Office, U.S. Department of Energy
Chrystel Cornelius (Oneida), CEO and President, Oweesta Corporation
Ruth Madrigal, Principal, leader, Exempt Organizations, Washington National Tax, KPMG
Jeffrey Ellis, CEO, Seneca Holdings & Seneca Environmental

3:30 pm – 3:45 pm | Refreshment Break

3:45 pm – 4:00 pm | Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy 2024 Legacy Award Presentation by Sandra Begay

4:00 pm – 5:00 pm | Community Benefits Plans: Leveraging Justice 40 to Protect Our Lands & People

Fireside Chat:

Dr. Raymond “Studie” RedCorn (Osage), Policy Analyst, Office of Indian Energy, U.S. Department of Energy

5:00-6:30 pm | Cultural Reception & Performance

Dinner – On Your Own

Day 3

Thursday

7:00 am – 8:30 am | Breakfast – Topic Tables

8:30 am – 10:00 am | Tribal “Poly Utilities:” Renewables + EVs + Broadband

Moderator:

Joseph Valandra (Sicangu), CEO and Chairman, Tribal Ready

Speakers:

Robert Blake (Red Lake), Founder and CEO, Solar Bear
Pilar Thomas (Pascua Yaqui), Partner, Quarles & Brady LLP
Joseph McNeil (Standing Rock), General Manager, SAGE Development Authority

10:00 am–10:30 am | Spark Talk – A Story of Sovereignty: The Nation of Hawai’i Peace Treaties

Speakers:

Pu’uhonua Dennis Kanahele, President, Nation of Hawai’i
Brandon Makaawaawa, Vice President, Nation of Hawai’i
John Kealoha Garcia, Second Vice President, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Commerce, Nation of Hawai’i

10:30 am–10:45 am | Refreshment Break

10:45 am–11:45 am | Critical Materials: Advancing Clean Energy While Safeguarding Mother Earth & Our Treaty Rights

Moderator:

Matthew Dannenberg (Bad River), Senior Tribal Liaison, Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs, U.S. Department of Energy

Speakers:

Daniel Cardenas (Pit River), Center for Native American Mining and Energy Sovereignty, Colorado School of Mines

11:45 pm–2:00 pm | Facilitated Roundtables: Reflection and Integration

Facilitators:

Lesley Kabotie (Crow) and Paul Kabotie (Hopi), Indigenous Collaboration
– Path Forward – Action Items and Commitments

2:00 pm – 3:00 pm | Emerging Leaders Feedback Forum
(Young professionals share their evaluation and insights)

Moderator:

Sydney Harper, Program Associate, Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy

Speakers:

Josiah Jacobs, (Pit River) TERO
Chinenye Mbonu, PhD candidate, University of Oxford
Angelina Papakee (Meskwaki Nation of Iowa), Preferred Provider Program Coordinator, Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy
Jennifer Jones, PhD Candidate, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Jasmine Lamb, (Passamaquoddy Tribe at Pleasant Point) Sipayik Resilience Committee/PhD Candidate University of Maine
Marissa Sisk (Muscogee) MS Candidate, University of California, Santa Barbara

3:00 pm – 4:00 pm | Closing Ceremony – Retiring of the Colors

Lesley & Paul Kabotie, Indigenous Collaboration
Dave Harper – Head of Tribal Engagement, Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy
Retiring of the Colors & Drum Group/Singers
Chéri Smith – President & CEO, Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy

Day 3

Thursday

8:30 am – 10:00 am | Workshop: Renewable Energy Systems in Indigenous Communities: A Global Perspective

Facilitator:

Malcolm McCulloch, Prof. Energy Systems, Energy and Power Group, Department of Engineering Sciences, University of Oxford

10:00 am–10:15 am | Refreshment Break

10:15 am–11:15 am | Tribal “Poly Utilities:” Renewables + EVs + Broadband

Moderator:

Joseph Valandra (Sicangu), CEO and Chairman, Tribal Ready

Speakers:

Robert Blake (Red Lake), Founder and CEO, Solar Bear
Pilar Thomas (Pascua Yaqui), Partner, Quarles & Brady LLP
Joseph McNeil (Standing Rock), General Manager, SAGE Development Authority

11:15 pm–1:00 pm | Facilitated Roundtables: Reflection and Integration

Facilitators:

Lesley Kabotie (Crow) and Paul Kabotie (Hopi), Indigenous Collaboration

1:00 pm – 1:30 pm | Spark Talk – A Story of Sovereignty: The Nation of Hawai’i Peace Treaties

Speakers:

Pu’uhonua Dennis Kanahele, President, Nation of Hawai’i
Brandon Makaawaawa, Vice President, Nation of Hawai’i

1:30 pm – 2:30 pm | Emerging Leaders Feedback Forum
(Young professionals share their evaluation and insights)

Moderator:

Sydney Harper, Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy

Speakers:

Josiah Jacobs, Pit River Tribe TERO
Chinenye Mbonu, University of Oxford
Angelina Papakee, Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy
Jennifer Jones, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Sherralyn Sneezer, Sandia National Laboratories/ Rochester Institute of Technology
Jasmine Lamb, Passamaquoddy Resilience Community/University of Maine

2:30 pm – 3:00 pm | Path Forward – Action Items and Commitments

Lesley (Crow) and Paul (Hopi) Kabotie, Indigenous Collaboration

3:00 pm – 4:00 pm | Closing Ceremony

Day 2
Wednesday

7:00 am – 8:30 am | Breakfast – Topic Tables

8:30 am – 9:00 am | Spark Talk: Dr. Lyla June (Navajo/Cheyenne)

9:00 am – 10:00 am | IRA Impact Assessment: The Tribal Perspective on Grid Modernization
Moderator:

Pilar Thomas (Pascua Yaqui), Partner, Quarles & Brady, LLP

Speakers:

Timothy Nuvyangyoma, Chairman (Hopi Nation)
Jim Manion (Warm Springs)
Ray Wiseman, Rep. Yakama Nation

10:00 am–10:15 am | Refreshment Break

10:15 am–11:15 am | IRA Impact Assessment: The Federal Perspective on Grid Modernizations

Moderator:

Jennifer Rouda, Head of Technical Assistance & Project Finance, Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy

Speakers:

The Honorable Suedeen Kelly, Partner, Jenner & Block LLP
Jennifer Yoshimura (Kanaka Maoli), Energy Justice and Equity Leader and Advisor, Pacific Northwest National Laboratories

11:15 am–12:15 pm | Equity Action Update: Agency Reports on Progress-Executive Order 14112

Speakers:

Sherry Stout, Program Manager, State, Local and Tribal Programs, National Renewable Energy Laboratory

12:15 pm–1:30 pm | Lunch – Topic Tables

1:30 pm-2:00 pm | Spark Talk: Equity, Sovereignty & Self-Determination

Chase Iron Eyes (Oglala Sioux), Director and Lead Counsel
Lakota People’s Law Project

2:00 pm–3:00 pm | Equitable & Effective Approaches to Tribal Energy Finance

Speakers:

Chairman David Sickey (Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana), Senior Consultant, Tribal Energy Finance Program, Loan Programs Office, U.S. Department of Energy
Chrystel Cornelius (Oneida), CEO and President, Oweesta Corporation

3:00 pm – 3:15 pm | Refreshment Break

3:15 pm – 4:00 pm | Community Benefits Plans: Leveraging Justice 40 to Protect Our Lands & People

4:00 pm–5:00 pm | Critical Materials: Advancing Clean Energy While Safeguarding Mother Earth & Our Treaty Rights

Moderator:

Matthew Dannenberg (Bad River), Senior Tribal Liaison, Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs, U.S. Department of Energy

Speakers:

Daniel Cardenas (Pit River), CEO National Tribal Energy Association

5:00-6:30 pm | Cultural Reception & Performance

Day 1
Tuesday

7:00 am–8:30 am | Breakfast Topic Tables

8:30 am–9:30 am | Opening Ceremonies

Posting of the Colors / Drum Group
Invocation by Principal Chief David W. Hill, Muscogee (Creek) Nation

EQUITY DIALOGUE CIRCLES

9:30 am–10:30 am | Executive Order 14112: Reforming Federal Funding and Support for Tribal Nations to Better Embrace Our Trust Responsibilities and Promote the Next Era of Tribal Self-Determination

10:30 am–10:45 am | Refreshment Break

10:45 am–11:45 am | Keynote Address
Chief Lynn Malerba (Mohegan), Treasurer of the United States, U.S. Department of Treasury

11:45 am–1:00 pm | Buffet Lunch – Topic Tables

IMMERSIVE SESSIONS

1:00 pm-4:00 pm | Sovereign Power: Forging the Path to a Clean Energy Future

Closed Session for Tribal leaders (or designated representatives)

Facilitators:

Lesley Kabotie (Crow) and Paul Kabotie (Hopi), Indigenous Collaboration

1:00pm-3:00 pm | Native Nation Acclimation: Bridging Cultural Divides
Overview of the overall history, legal entitlements, culture, and general political and economic frameworks of Tribal Nations in the United States.

Presenters:

David Harper (Mojave), Head of Tribal Engagement & Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Justice
Lindsey X. Watchman (Umatilla), Head of Learning & Workforce Development, Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy

5:30 pm–8:00 pmCultural Reception: Sharing the Spirit of Powwow / Musical Performance

Emcee: Chance Lee Rush (Hidatsa), Actor, Motivational Speaker
Sharing the spirit of Powwow: Traditional music and dance

Special Musical Performance by Lyla June (Navajo/Cheyenne)

Pre Conference
Monday

9:00 am–6:00 pm | Registration / Badge Pickup

10:00 am–12:00 pm | Workshop: Tribal Clean Energy Finance Primer

Topics:

Negotiating Power Purchase Agreements with Green Energy Buyers
Planning the Capital Stack for Financing Tribal Clean Energy Projects
Renewable Energy Project Development Basics

Facilitators/Presenters:

Clark Conlisk, U.S. Bank
Joel Laubenstein, Baker Tilly
Don Wingate & Samantha Childress, Schneider Electric
Sarah Fink (Pokagon Band of Potawatomi), Recurrent Energy
Bob Blake (Red Lake Nation), Native Sun Community Power Development
Sven Kaludzinski, Clean Energy Counsel
Meg Nyberg, Spartan Engineering
Anthony Giacobbe, Seneca Energy
Kevin Blaser, Migizi Economic Development Company (Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe)

12:00 pm –1:00 pm | Lunch Presentation: Renewables 101

Jennifer Rouda, Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy
Tim McDuffie, Scale Microgrid Solutions

1:00 pm –5:00 pm Tribal Utilities Workshop (see separate agenda here)

For Tribal utility general managers and Tribal renewable energy champions evaluating the formation of new tribal utilities and tribal energy development organizations (TEDOs).

Bill Saporito, Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy
Ken Ahmann, Colusa Indian Energy
Ray Wiseman, Yakama Power
Kevin Blaser, Migizi Economic Development Company (Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe)
Nimiipuu (Nez Perce Tribe)
Presentation by the Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA)

5:00 pm–6:30 pm | Opening Reception & Cultural Performance

6:30 pm–8:30 pm | Speaker Dinner

Morning

Tribal & Federal Leadership Breakfast

7:30am-8:45am/Great River Ballroom

Introductions by federal officials below, so Tribal Leaders are oriented to who is available and the topics that might be explored.

Opportunities for Tribal Leaders to ask energy-program-related questions with Federal Leaders and select nonprofits:

FERC – Federal Regulatory Energy Commission

White House Council on Native American Affairs (invited)

Office of Indian Energy, DOE

Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, DOE

Grid Deployment Office, DOE

Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations, DOE

Tribal Energy Loan Program, DOE

Center for Indian Country Development, Federal Reserve of Minneapolis

National Renewables Energy Laboratory (NREL)

Midwest Tribal Energy Resource Association (MTERA)

2024 Registration

Important information: To maintain the privacy of our tribal governments, the Summit is not open to the general public. The event is open to tribal leadership from federally and state-recognized tribes, and vetted Preferred Energy Service Providers and Development Providers. Up to two tribal leaders from each tribe may attend at no cost, with travel stipends available for tribes with financial constraints.

Tribal leaders may designate up to three additional tribal leaders/members or individuals from supporting organizations to attend for a fee. Tribal attendees and Preferred Provider attendees have separate invitation codes. Please refer to your invitation email for detailed registration information and instructions.

If you have questions, did not receive an invitation, or to apply for travel stipends, send a message to: questions@tribalenergyequitysummit.org.

Choose Your Category Below to Register

Tribal Leaders

TRIBAL LEADERS
NO CHARGE FOR UP TO
2 LEADERS PER TRIBE

REQUIRES CODE
See your invitation email for code or email us at questions@tribalenergyequitysummit.org

Additional Tribal Leaders &
Tribal Supporting Professionals

ADDITIONAL TRIBAL LEADERS &
TRIBAL SUPPORTING PROFESSIONALS
$795 each

UP TO 3 ADDITIONAL ATTENDEES
REQUIRES CODE
See your invitation email for code or email us at questions@tribalenergyequitysummit.org

Federal & State Government / Academic / Nonprofit

FEDERAL & STATE GOV / ACADEMIC / NONPROFIT
$500 each

REQUIRES CODE
See your invitation email for code or email us at questions@tribalenergyequitysummit.org

Corporate/ Consultant

EARLY BIRD RATES
(now-February 18)
Independent Consultant
rate $700
Corporate rate $1,250

REQUIRES CODE
See your invitation email for code or email us at questions@tribalenergyequitysummit.org

On Site
Tickets

Academic/Government
/Nonprofit $750
Independent Consultant $1,500
Corporate $2,000

Tribal Members in excess of 2 per tribe - please see staff on site

About the Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy

The Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy (the Alliance) is an Indigenous-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Native American tribes and Alaska Native Villages in transitioning to clean energy systems. Originally known as Covenant Tribal Solar Initiative and later as Indigenized and Indigenous Energy Initiative (IEI), the organization evolved into the Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy over nearly a decade. This transformation was fueled by insights gained while assisting tribal leaders and members nationwide, responding to the expressed needs of many Native American tribes.

Supported by partners including the MacArthur Foundation, Hewlett Foundation, Energy Foundation, and Invest in Our Future Fund, the Alliance provides critical, no-cost technical and financial assistance, empowering tribes to access federal energy infrastructure and climate funding equitably. Serving as a trusted ally, the Alliance supports tribes in catalyzing a just transition away from exploitative fossil-fueled energy systems, fostering regenerative, clean-energy-fueled economies that mitigate climate change, strengthen tribal economies, create good green jobs, and advance true sovereignty.