Department of Energy to Host Consultation Session with Tribal Nations
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced that it will host a consultation session with Tribal leaders on April 9, 2021. This event supports the Biden-Harris Administration's memorandum to conduct regular, meaningful and robust consultation with federally recognized Tribal Nations.
This meeting will inform the DOE’s 2021 Tribal Consultation Implementation Plan. It will also be an opportunity for DOE leadership to engage with Tribal leaders to address Executive Order 13175, climate challenges, build greater capacity in meeting energy and environmental goals that are inclusive of Tribal Nation views and priorities.
All federally recognized Tribal leaders are invited to participate virtually in the consultation sessions. DOE’s Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs will lead the consultation sessions with participation from DOE senior leaders.
Tribes may register to participate at https://ems8.intellor.com?do=register&t=1&p=838005.
Written comments and recommendations are requested by 11:59 p.m. ET on April 7, 2021, at TribalConsultation@hq.doe.gov. However, all written comments received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern on April 12 will be considered.
Invitation Letter from Secretary Granholm to Tribal Leaders.
Mission
The Indian Country Energy and Infrastructure Working Group (ICEIWG) works collaboratively with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs to assist in surveys, analysis, and recommendations related to program and policy initiatives that fulfill the DOE statutory authorizations and requirements of Title V of the Energy Policy Act of 2005.
The working group was established in May 2011 to bring government and tribal leaders together to collaborate and gain insight into real-time tribal experiences representing obstacles and opportunities in energy and related infrastructure development and capacity building in Indian Country. The Working Group is hosted, managed, and supported as a program initiative in the Office of Indian Energy. It is also supported by the National Conference of State Legislatures through a cooperative agreement.
Goals and Objectives
ICEIWG aims to establish baseline information to guide policy and program prioritization and long-term strategy related to energy and infrastructure development on tribal lands while supporting the Office of Indian Energy’s mission. ICEIWG also provides comments and recommendations on the Office of Indian Energy's Strategic Roadmap and addresses programmatic needs and activities, issues, and concerns at the working level through the following objectives:
- Survey and assess Indian energy business and energy infrastructure development and needs.
- Exchange information about energy development practices, needs, obstacles, and potential solutions, including alternative approaches to energy development in its various forms.
- Develop and disseminate to the public and prospective technology partners information about tribal resources and opportunities.
- Share information, transfer lessons-learned, and inform and be informed on current policy, procedures, and industry partnership mechanisms. Discussion of policy concerns are encouraged with recommendations and/or comments forwarded to the director of the Office of Indian Energy.

DOE Office of Indian Energy Team
- Wahleah Johns, director of the Office of Indian Energy, U.S. Department of Energy
- Lizana Pierce, project manager, Golden, Colo.
ICEIWG Member Tribes
Alaska
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Alaska Federation of Natives, Anchorage, Alaska
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Central Council of Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska, Juneau, Alaska
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Husila Village, Husila, Alaska
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Metlakatla Indian Community, Metlakatla, Alaska
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Native Village of Eklutna, Chugiak, Alaska
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Native Village of Kongiganak, Kongiganak, Alaska
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Qawalangin Tribe of Unalaska, Unalaska, Alaska
California
Florida
Mississippi
Montana
New York
North Dakota
Oklahoma
Wisconsin
ICEIWG Meetings
- Q1 Meeting by Zoom Call, (Jan. 28, 2021)
- Q4 Meeting by Zoom Call, (Dec. 9, 2020)
- Q3 Meeting by Zoom Call, (Oct. 28, 2020)
- Q2 Meeting by Zoom Call, (July 29, 2020)
- Q1 Meeting, Fort McDowell, Ariz. (Feb. 24-25, 2020)
- Conference Call, (Dec. 18, 2019)
- Washington, D.C., (Sept. 24-26, 2019) - in conjunction with the National Tribal Energy Summit (NTES)
- Denver, Colo., (July 15-16, 2019)
- Conference call, (Feb. 22, 2019)
- Washington, D.C. (Dec. 6-7, 2018)
- Saint Paul, Minn. (Aug. 29, 2018)
- Albuquerque, N.M. (May 7-8, 2018)
- Washington, D.C. (Sept. 21, 2017)
- Washington, D.C. (May 1-3, 2017) - In conjunction with the 2017 National Tribal Energy Summit
- Bethel, Alas. (March 1-3. 2017) - Co-hosted by the Association of Village Council Presidents and Tanana Chiefs Conference
- New Town, N.D. (Oct. 6, 2016) - Co-hosted by Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation (MHA)
- Portland, Ore. (June 23, 2106) - Co-hosted by Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon
- Tulsa, Okla. (April 13, 2016) - Co-hosted by Cherokee Nation and Osage Nation
- Hollywood, Fla. (Jan. 12, 2016) – Co-hosted by Seminole Nation of Florida
- Washington, D.C. (Sept. 23-25, 2015) – In conjunction with the National Tribal Energy Summit
- Rocklin, Calif. (March 5, 2015) – Co-hosted by Blue Lake Rancheria
- Choctaw, Miss. (June 2, 2015) – Co-hosted by Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians
- Chandler, Ariz. (Dec. 11, 2015) – Co-hosted by Gila River Indian Community
- Prior Lake, Minn. (Aug. 25, 2014) – Co-hosted by Ho-Chunk Nation
- San Diego (May 15, 2014) – Co-hosted by Ewiiaapaayp Band of Kumeyaay Indians
- Hollywood, Fla. (Jan. 24, 2014) – Co-hosted by Seminole Tribe of Florida
- Portland, Maine (Sept. 10-11, 2013) – Co-hosted by Passamaquoddy Tribe at Indian Township
- Chandler, Ariz. (May 29, 2013) – Co-hosted by the Gila River Indian Community
- Las Vegas (March 14, 2013)
- Washington, D.C. (Dec. 6, 2012)
- Portland, Ore. (Sept. 21, 2012)
- Golden, Colo. (June 21, 2012)
- New Orleans (March 22, 2012)
- Chandler, Ariz. (Jan. 26, 2012)
- Portland, Ore. (Oct. 30, 2011)