Valuable Lessons from Tribal Energy Leaders
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Indian Energy and the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) convened the 2019 National Tribal Energy Summit (NTES), Tribal Energy: Powering Self-Determination, Sept. 24-26, 2019, in Washington, D.C.
For additional meeting highlights visit the U.S. DOE Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs blog "2019 National Tribal Energy Summit Connects Tribes with Solutions Toward Energy Sovereignty."
NTES provided state and tribal leaders alike an opportunity to sit together, connect and exchange ideas about tribal energy efforts, the impacts on economies, the strides and the possibilities. Experiencing firsthand capacity building in motion and real ways to better understand and honor tribal sovereignty – and each other – participants gained broader perspectives and opportunities to advance energy goals, with hopefully a more holistic view.
Learning labs tailored to attendees that are brand new to energy development and others more versed served up the foundation for more focused talks at Tribal Leader Roundtables. NCSL, DOE and its Indian Country Energy and Infrastructure Working Group (ICEIWG) designed plenaries and coordinated programming where connections were a focus with key agencies and contributors like the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) and the Department of Agriculture (USDA), members of Congress, the White House and leaders in all-of-the-above energy sectors.
Elements crucial to the energy conversation and goals for tribes should be strong STEM programs for tribal youth and even beyond, with extensions to state and local communities to bridge them. The voices and influence of women energy leaders and supporters must be integrated for even bigger strides. Policies at the state and local levels that recognize tribal sovereignty and self-determination as strengths and strive for opportunities to partner will move the needle for the process and bring about continued progress on energy for our neighboring networks and communities.
The National Conference of State Legislatures graciously acknowledges Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara MHA Nation for their support of the 2019 National Tribal Energy Summit.
We encourage you to use it as a resource and also visit the Tribal Energy webpage for current information on DOE tribal working group activities and updates. Please also stay up-to-date on the latest in tribal energy development activities through the DOE-IE website.