More than 450 representatives from tribal and state governments, federal agencies, tribal corporations, private industry, utilities, and academia c...
Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs
October 22, 2015
minute read time
More than 450 representatives from tribal and state governments, federal agencies, tribal corporations, private industry, utilities, and academia came together to explore tribal energy development and security issues at the National Tribal Energy Summit: A Path to Economic Sovereignty, held Sept. 23–25, 2015, in Washington, D.C.
Energy resources could become a strong foundation for self-determination, economic growth, and a better quality of life, and these resources are very considerable. By working together on tangible, science-based projects, we have the power to make a difference in Indian Country, in our country as a whole, and in the world.
Key Metrics
- 476 summit registrants
- 96 representatives of tribes and Alaska Native villages
- 275 attendees at the opening reception
- 284 virtual attendees who participated via live streaming
- 40+ presentations from tribal, federal, and industry experts
The event was sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Indian Energy in cooperation with the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development and the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). Other participants included the Department of the Interior, Department of Agriculture, the Environmental Protection Agency, and members of Congress and the White House Council on Native American Affairs.
During the three days, summit participants:
- Identified common goals and shared best practices around increased energy innovation and technology deployment on tribal lands
- Examined pressing challenges tribal councils face related to energy self-sufficiency and climate preparedness
- Explored ideas for upholding tribal leaders’ charge to promote the well-being of current and future generations
- Developed recommendations for addressing pressing energy needs in Indian Country at the federal level.
The event included meetings with members of DOE’s Indian Country Energy and Infrastructure, State and Tribal Government, and Nuclear Energy Tribal working groups to welcome new members and hear about tribal energy projects and priorities. The National Caucus of Native American State Legislators also came together and met with working group members to discuss energy issues affecting tribes in their states.
Experts from the private sector, government, and tribes convened for roundtable discussions on financing and fossil energy. The plenary session included opening remarks from DOE Office of Indian Energy Director Chris Deschene, a tribal leaders/intertribal professional panel moderated by Deschene, and several presentations on Arctic opportunities for Indian Country, including one from DOE Office of Indian Energy Alaska Program Manager Givey Kochanowski. Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz and Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell gave keynote addresses at the luncheon, while Deputy Secretary of Energy Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall spoke at the closing plenary session.
“The takeaways for me were the level of commitment that the Secretaries [of Energy and Interior] gave to the summit in listening to the challenges tribes have and ensuring their level of commitment is going to be continued and their willingness to send the appropriate staff here to listen to the issues, concerns, and challenges we have in Indian Country,” said Jim Manion of the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon and member of the Indian Country Energy and Infrastructure Working Group.
Representatives of various tribes, federal agencies, and private industry led concurrent track sessions on energy policy, science and technology, economy and regulation, and jobs and workforce development. Networking sessions and exhibits created additional opportunities for attendees to learn and exchange ideas.
A special opening reception at the national Museum of the American Indian featured several speakers, including Moniz and Deschene.