Overview
With sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and in cooperation with the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (NCAIED), the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) hosted a National Tribal Energy Summit, Sept. 23–25, 2015, in Washington, D.C. This Summit focused on energy programs, policy priorities and partnerships with American Indian Tribes to advance self-determination and improve the quality of life across Indian Country.
Streaming Sessions
The following sessions were streamed live from the Summit. Videos archives of the sessions are indicated below.
Thursday, Sept. 24
Time |
Session |
8:30-9 a.m. |
Posting of the Colors: Ralph Zotigh, Dennis Zotigh and the Native American Women Warriors
Invocation: James Trosper
Master of Ceremonies
- Gary Davis, president, National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (NCAIED)
|
9-9:15 a.m. |
Plenary: Tribal Energy Summit Focusing on Key Energy Priorities
Watch the Video
- Introduction: Chris Deschene, director, Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs. U.S. Department of Energy
|
9:15-10:30 a.m. |
Tribal Leaders/Intertribal Professionals Panel | Watch the Video
Moderator
- Christopher Deschene, director, DOE Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs
- Direlle Calica, The Affiliated Tribes of the Northwest Indians
- Mark Fox, chariman, Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation (Three Affliated Tribes)
- Sonny Adams, director of energy, NANA Regional Corporation
- Jana Ganion, director of energy, Blue Lake Rancheria
The Office of Indian Energy (IE) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) soliciting feedback from Tribal leaders on key issues and optimal structures for a new nationwide Intertribal collaboration focused on energy issues facing Tribes, including Alaska Natives. IE plans to issue a Funding Opportunity Announcement in 2016 for the Intertribal effort. In this panel, Tribal energy professionals discussed past, present and future intertribal organization roles, including Tribal leaders from the Indian Country Energy & Infrastructure Working Group (ICEIWG).
|
10:30-10:45 a.m. |
Break |
10:45-Noon |
Arctic Opportunities for Indian Country | Watch the Video
Moderator
- Mark E. Davis, senior adviser, DOE, Office of the Deputy Secretary
The Arctic is leading an international innovation in climate assessment and response to vulnerabilities, effective response to rising energy costs for electricity, heating and transportation, energy efficient housing and infrastructure. Learn from Alaska and federal officials and how the Arctic can help all of Indian Country tackle these critical issues.
|
12:15-1:15 p.m. |
Keynote by Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz | Watch the Video
Moderator
- Gary Davis, president and CEO, NCAIED
This plenary session engaged two cabinet members from the Energy Subgroup of the White House Council on Native American Affairs (WHCNAA) where a focus question was increasing access to capital for the tribal energy sector of the economy. This was followed by a keynote address by Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell also made remarks and joined Secretary Moniz for the moderated Q & A.
|
Friday, Sept. 25
Time |
Session |
10:45-11:30 a.m. |
Watch the Video | Part 1
Watch the Video | Part 2
Moderator
- Christopher Deschene, director, DOE Office of Indian Energy Policy & Programs
Tribal leaders reported to participants from each conference track to summarize the key findings and recommendations to the secretary of energy for the coming year. The Closing Plenary highlighted the success of the last few years in meeting the Department of Energy’s commitments to a strong energy future for Indian Country.
- Jana Ganion, Blue Lake Rancheria
- Senator John McCoy, (D-Wash.)
- Will Micklin, Central Council of Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes
- Sandra Begay-Campbell, Sandia National Laboratories
|
11:30 a.m.-Noon |
Closing Plenary - Keynote by Deputy Secretary of Energy, Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall
- (All video coverage from Friday morning is included in the Breakout Panel Reccomendations video link.)
|
Additional Resources
NCSL Resources
NCSL Contact