Note: You do not need to be a SEIA or SEPA member to register for the Symposium. To register, click the link above, complete your profile, select “Workshop/Partner Event” under “Pass Type,” then select to add the Symposium ($350).
4th Annual Tribal Clean Energy Symposium @ RE+
575 federally recognized Tribes and Alaska Native Villages control some of the most resource-rich lands in the country — and they’re developing renewable energy projects on them. The companies that succeed in Indian Country bring the right combination of expertise, trusting relationships, and cultural fluency.
Join Tribal leaders, energy developers, service providers, and clean energy experts for an immersive, professionally facilitated day of sessions, case studies, and dialogue on how to build respectful, equitable, and profitable partnerships in Indian Country. Tribes offer unique advantages: access to vast land holdings, expedited permitting on Tribal lands, federal tax incentives exclusive to Tribal projects, and sovereign governments motivated to achieve energy independence.
Learn how the Alliance’s Preferred Provider Program℠ helps companies build the standing that Tribes recognize and trust — and join an optional Pathways to Trust℠ cultural awareness training session. Come ready to learn, and leave ready to act.
Agenda and speaker details coming soon — stay tuned!
AGENDA
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8TH
8:30 AM – 8:45 AM
Welcome & Opening Blessing
Hosted by the Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy. Land acknowledgment and context for the day.
8:45 AM – 9:15 AM
Opening Spark Talk
A call to action rooted in Tribal sovereignty, climate justice, and long-term partnership.
Session 1: Benefits and Opportunities: Partnering with Tribes on Clean Energy Initiatives
This foundational session offers practical guidance for clean energy professionals and organizations new to working with Tribes. Topics include:
- Understanding Tribal sovereignty and self-determination
- Respectful outreach and engagement (Matt Dannenberg)
- Siting and permitting: cultural landscapes, viewsheds, jurisdiction, and tribal permitting processes
- Avoiding common missteps and extractive practices
10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Session 2: Cultivating Trust and Respectful Engagement with Tribal Nations
A high-level introduction to Pathways to Trust: A Learning Journey Toward Equitable Tribal Partnerships. Explore how cultural awareness, historical understanding, and values-aligned communication are critical to forging ethical, effective collaborations.
11:30 PM – 12:45 PM
Lunch & Spark Talk
12:45 AM – 1:30 PM
Session 3: Financing Tribal Clean Energy Projects: Capital Stack Strategies and Tools
Learn how to approach capital stack planning with Tribes, including grants, tax credits, federal funding, loans, and Tribal capital. Preview a new shared document library designed to support replicable, transparent, and Tribal-centered financial structuring.
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Session 4: Designing Clean Energy Projects that Deliver Tribal and Developer Benefits
Successful Tribal clean energy projects are built on alignment between community priorities and developer goals. This session explores how to design projects that create long-term value for both partners. Key focus areas include:
- Electrifying critical infrastructure (schools, clinics, community facilities) to ensure project relevance and impact
- Supporting energy sovereignty through resilient systems, including their impacts on food and water
- Designing with cultural values in mind to strengthen trust, community buy-in, and project longevity
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Session 5: Partnering with Tribes on Workforce Development for Clean Energy Projects
Learn how to engage Tribal Nations as workforce development partners in clean energy. This session explores strategies for aligning project labor needs with Tribal community goals to create lasting, mutually beneficial outcomes. Topics include:
- Building partnerships with Tribal colleges and training providers with the goal of developing robust Native candidate pools
- Integrating Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) and Community Benefit Agreements (CBAs) into project design, for the benefit of developers and Tribes
- Supporting career pathways and Tribal Member engagement in the energy transition
Afternoon Break
Session 6: Tribal Clean Energy Case Studies: Successes, Challenges, and Lessons for Partners
Hear directly from Tribal leaders and project partners about their clean energy journeys—from vision and planning to implementation and impact. Learn what made these projects successful, what challenges were faced, and how partners can better support Tribal priorities moving forward.This session offers valuable insights for Tribes, developers, funders, and government agencies seeking to build more effective, collaborative clean energy partnerships.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9TH
12:00 PM – 12:30 PM
Indigenous Professionals in Clean Energy Meetup
The Venetian Convention Center – Level 1 – Hall G – Community Partner Lounge – Near Alliance booth #V3622
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10TH
Indigenous Professionals in Clean Energy Gathering
The Venetian Convention Center – Level 2 – Room: Veronese 2405
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Diversity in Clean Energy Reception
The Venetian Convention Center – Level 3 – Room: San Polo 3401B
THANK YOU
TO OUR SPONSOR-ALLIES
Sponsorship opportunities are still available!
Email [email protected] for more information.
Planning to attend the full RE+ conference? Join us!
While our 4th Annual Tribal Clean Energy Symposium on Nov. 18 is the centerpiece of our week, we invite you to join us throughout RE+. From our Pathways to Trust℠ training to our booth in the Community Partners section of the Expo Hall, we’d love to connect with you all week long. Full details to come — all times are in Pacific.
Monday, Nov. 16:
- 9 a.m.-Noon: Pathways to Trust: A Learning Journey Towards Equitable Tribal Partnerships℠ training. Co-presented by Dr. Ramon Sanchez (Mayo, Yaqui), Chief Knowledge & Innovation Officer, and Matt Dannenberg (Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa), Head of Partnerships
- 2:15-3:15 p.m.: Building Renewable Projects with Indigenous Nations: From Engagement to Ownership. Moderated by Matt Dannenberg (Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa), Head of Partnerships
Tuesday, Nov. 17:
- Booth #C4467: Visit the Alliance Team at our booth, located in the Community Partners section of the Expo Hall, in Central Hall
- 1-2 p.m.: Hosting the annual Indigenous Professionals in Clean Energy Meetup
- Various times: Presentation of Preferred Provider Program℠ poster
Wednesday, Nov. 18:
- 8:30 a.m.-4:15 p.m.: 4th Annual Tribal Clean Energy Symposium, in rooms 314-316 in West Hall
- 4:30-6 p.m.: Hosting a networking tabletop at the Diversity in Clean Energy Reception, in room 250 in North Hall
- Booth #C4467: Visit the Alliance Team at our booth, located in the Community Partners section of the Expo Hall, in Central Hall
- Various times: Presentation of Preferred Provider Program℠ poster
Thursday, Nov. 19:
- Booth #C4467: Visit the Alliance Team at our booth, located in the Community Partners section of the Expo Hall, in Central Hall