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
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
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18TH
8:30 AM – 9:00 AM
Registration, Coffee & Connections
9:00 AM – 9:20 AM
The Tribal Clean Energy Opportunity: Who Will Succeed? (Opening)
9:20 AM – 10:20 AM
Proven Opportunities: Projects Changing the Market Now
Tribal clean energy projects are already creating opportunities across Indian Country and Alaska. Three fast-paced project stories bring that opportunity into focus through the decisions, relationships, and practical work that moved real projects forward. Each speaker shares what was built, the community need it addressed, and what made the opportunity possible. This session brings together perspectives from KIPI Radio and Alaska project practitioners to examine what nearly stopped a project, how the team responded, and what successful partners understood that others might have missed. Moderator synthesis and audience Q&A draw out lessons for developers, capital providers, utilities, and service providers: how to recognize an opportunity, engage with Tribal priorities, and contribute to a project’s success. Attendees will leave with concrete questions to ask before pursuing their next partnership.
SPEAKER
Art Rave (Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe)
Director, Cheyenne River Long-Term Recovery Group
Read bio
Mr. Art Rave is a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and a community recovery and clean-energy leader with more than 25 years of experience in project development and management. He serves as Director of the Cheyenne River Long-Term Recovery Group, where he advances projects that strengthen tribal communities and rural resilience.
As a Tribal Energy Leadership Fellow (TELF), Mr. Rave brings a community-centered perspective to clean-energy development. His work includes helping complete a 100-kilowatt solar and storage project at KIPI Radio with support from the Tribal Energy Consortium of America (TCEA). The project strengthens a vital local communications resource and demonstrates how renewable energy can support essential services.
He also works to expand household weatherization and energy-efficiency efforts for families facing high energy costs. Across these initiatives, Mr. Rave connects tribal priorities, local partnerships, and technical resources to build Native-led energy capacity. His goal is to advance practical clean-energy solutions that improve reliability, support community institutions, and contribute to a resilient future for Cheyenne River and neighboring communities.
Art Rave (Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe)
Director, Cheyenne River Long-Term Recovery Group
Read bio
Mr. Art Rave is a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and a community recovery and clean-energy leader with more than 25 years of experience in project development and management. He serves as Director of the Cheyenne River Long-Term Recovery Group, where he advances projects that strengthen tribal communities and rural resilience.
As a Tribal Energy Leadership Fellow (TELF), Mr. Rave brings a community-centered perspective to clean-energy development. His work includes helping complete a 100-kilowatt solar and storage project at KIPI Radio with support from the Tribal Energy Consortium of America (TCEA). The project strengthens a vital local communications resource and demonstrates how renewable energy can support essential services.
He also works to expand household weatherization and energy-efficiency efforts for families facing high energy costs. Across these initiatives, Mr. Rave connects tribal priorities, local partnerships, and technical resources to build Native-led energy capacity. His goal is to advance practical clean-energy solutions that improve reliability, support community institutions, and contribute to a resilient future for Cheyenne River and neighboring communities.
10:20 AM – 10:50 AM
Networking Break
10:50 AM – 11:40 AM
The Four Things Successful Tribal Energy Partners Understand
This panel unites diverse, frontline expertise to break down the essential pillars of building successful tribal energy projects through true collaboration. Chairman Moke (Middletown Rancheria) provides the crucial perspective of sovereign leadership, drawing from his experience pioneering state-recognized energy resilience models for his tribe. Rounding out the project lifecycle, Isaiah Ness (Sun Bear) brings entrepreneurial strategies for advancing Indigenous energy autonomy, Kristy Coughlin (Site LogIQ) navigates the complex engineering and utility realities of microgrid development, and John Jackson (Vera Watt) offers the critical operational insights needed to ensure long-term solar asset performance.
SPEAKERS
John Jackson, Jr. (Cherokee Nation Citizen)
Chief Operating Officer, Veriwatt
Read bio
John Jackson is an experienced leader in construction, energy, and organizational management. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership and a Master of Construction Business from the University of Oklahoma. He also completed Arizona State University’s Indigenous Leadership Academy as a member of Cohort 10.
A 14-year U.S. Navy veteran, John brings extensive leadership and operational experience to his work. He previously served as Construction Project Manager for the Quapaw Nation, where he managed major civil, residential, and casino construction projects. He also spearheaded the Nation’s energy initiatives, resulting in three completed solar photovoltaic systems, a strategic energy plan, and the development of Tribal utility, energy, and building codes.
John currently serves as Chief Operating Officer of Veriwatt, an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) energy company specializing in diverse energy solutions. In this role, he helps lead operations and strategic growth, including Veriwatt’s significant portfolio of Tribal energy projects.
Chairman Jose Simon, III (Middletown Rancheria of Pomo Indians of CA)
Tribal Chairman, Middletown Rancheria of Pomo Indians of CA
Read bio
Jose Simon III, Tribal Chairman: Elected 1997-2009; re-elected 2012-Current
Jose (Moke) Simon III was born and raised in Middletown, California. Mr. Simon returns as the current Tribal Chairman and previously served in the position of Tribal Chairman of Middletown Rancheria for 12 years. His responsibilities include leading and representing the Middletown Rancheria in all major decisions directly involving all entities of the Tribe, which include, but are not limited to, overseeing all Tribal Government Operations. As the Chairman, he oversaw all aspects of construction of a new 15,000-square-foot gaming facility and, during his recent time off as Chairman, worked in the maintenance department of the Twin Pine Casino & Hotel. On behalf of the Tribe, Mr. Simon also negotiated with the State of California and acquired the gaming compact for the Middletown Rancheria. He assisted in acquiring the Mount St. Helena Brewing Co., an off-reservation business, as the Tribe’s first Economic Development venture, and helped negotiate to close the deal for the $47.5 million to build and construct the new Twin Pine Casino & Hotel gaming facility, which was completed in 2009. Mr. Simon was the winner of the 2016 National Indian Gaming Association’s (NIGA) highest tribal leader award, the Wendell Chino Humanitarian Award. Chairman Simon’s leadership was instrumental to an entire community affected by what is now known as the Valley Fire — one of the most destructive fires in California history, which burned 76,067 acres in September of 2015. Mr. Simon brings to the Tribe a substantial amount of knowledge and passion. As an avid sports fan and former professional football player with the NFL Indianapolis Colts, AFL Arizona Rattlers, WFL Barcelona Dragons in Spain, and Scottish Claymores in Scotland as World Champions, he also attended Butte College and Texas A&M. He volunteers at the local high school as the defensive coach for the varsity football team. To add to his accomplishments, he was elected by the County of Lake in 2017 for the District 1 Board of Supervisors. In September 2019, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that Moke had been appointed to the State Board of Fire Services. Mr. Simon lives on the reservation with his wife and son, and is very involved with his grandchildren.
11:40 AM – 12:30 PM
Land, Interconnection & the Development Path for Tribal Projects
Land status shapes every Tribal energy project. Whether a project site is Tribal trust land, fee land, allotted land, or held by an Alaska Native corporation under ANCSA determines which approvals apply, who signs, how long it takes, and what counts as site control when a utility reviews an interconnection request. State and federal agency approval processes rely on tribal reviews first and often determine whether a project is built.
This panel brings together a Navajo-owned development corporation, a utility-scale developer, and a Tribal-law attorney to walk through the development path as it actually works: what to learn before committing capital, where timelines are most often misread, what the HEARTH Act leasing authority changes and what it doesn’t, and what improves interconnection outcomes when it happens early. The conditions are knowable. Teams that prepare for them and treat Tribal, State, and federal processes as part of the project rather than obstacles build faster and become stronger partners.
12:30 PM – 1:45 PM
Lunch & Industry Connections
1:45 PM – 2:45 PM
Where Projects Break: Why Some Tribal Energy Projects Succeed and Others Stall
The panel reveals how the difference between a stalled project and a successful build ultimately comes down to the depth of true collaboration between tribal leaders, developers, and contractors. Attendees will learn how to identify common partnership breakdowns before they happen and build the resilient, unified teams necessary to navigate complex construction challenges together.
This trio provides a complete, 360-degree view of project execution by blending visionary development, construction, and engineering expertise. Brett Isaac (Navajo Power) anchors the development side, bringing his widely celebrated track record of structuring projects that ensure a sustainable and equitable energy future for Indigenous communities. Ken Allman (Colusa Energy) provides the crucial “boots on the ground” EPC perspective, navigating the physical realities of construction, supply chain bottlenecks, and tribal governance. Rounding out the team, Taylor Boyle (Site Logic) acts as the technical glue, bridging the gap between the developer’s vision and site reality by tackling engineering hurdles, logistical challenges, and environmental permitting.
SPEAKER
Ken Ahmann
Chief Operating Officer, Colusa Indian Energy
Read bio
Ken Ahmann serves as Tribal Utility Authority Director at the Cachil Dehe Band of Wintun Indians of the Colusa Rancheria and is the Chief Operating Officer of Colusa Indian Energy, the only Tribally owned microgrid developer in the nation. He built and directs operations of the Colusa Tribe’s home microgrid, which has operated voluntarily off-grid for 20 years and without a power interruption in over 13 years. Ken is also the Vice Chairman of Tribal Energy Solutions (non-profit), Board member of the Colusa Indian Community’s Economic Development Corporation, Board member of the California Tribal Solar For All Consortium, and Board member of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s Developer Advisory Council.
Ken Ahmann is COO of Colusa Indian Energy, the only Tribally owned microgrid developer in the nation. Ken has worked in Indian Country for two decades and serves also as the Tribal Utility Authority Director for the Colusa Indian Community. He is an evangelist for Tribal energy sovereignty who seeks to help empower Tribes from coast to coast to hold control of their own energy futures. Ken serves as Vice Chairman of the Board of Tribal Energy Solutions, a 501(c)(3) non-profit whose mission is to electrify the 13,500 families with no access to electricity across the Navajo Nation. Ken also serves on the Colusa Indian Community’s Economic Development Corporation Board. Ken has a BSBA from San Diego State University, degrees in Political Science and Interdisciplinary Studies, and multiple energy industry certifications. He has constructed, operated, and managed more than 50 cogeneration microgrids across the country.
Ken Ahmann
Chief Operating Officer, Colusa Indian Energy
Read bio
Ken Ahmann serves as Tribal Utility Authority Director at the Cachil Dehe Band of Wintun Indians of the Colusa Rancheria and is the Chief Operating Officer of Colusa Indian Energy, the only Tribally owned microgrid developer in the nation. He built and directs operations of the Colusa Tribe’s home microgrid, which has operated voluntarily off-grid for 20 years and without a power interruption in over 13 years. Ken is also the Vice Chairman of Tribal Energy Solutions (non-profit), Board member of the Colusa Indian Community’s Economic Development Corporation, Board member of the California Tribal Solar For All Consortium, and Board member of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s Developer Advisory Council.
Ken Ahmann is COO of Colusa Indian Energy, the only Tribally owned microgrid developer in the nation. Ken has worked in Indian Country for two decades and serves also as the Tribal Utility Authority Director for the Colusa Indian Community. He is an evangelist for Tribal energy sovereignty who seeks to help empower Tribes from coast to coast to hold control of their own energy futures. Ken serves as Vice Chairman of the Board of Tribal Energy Solutions, a 501(c)(3) non-profit whose mission is to electrify the 13,500 families with no access to electricity across the Navajo Nation. Ken also serves on the Colusa Indian Community’s Economic Development Corporation Board. Ken has a BSBA from San Diego State University, degrees in Political Science and Interdisciplinary Studies, and multiple energy industry certifications. He has constructed, operated, and managed more than 50 cogeneration microgrids across the country.
2:45 PM – 3:15 PM
Networking Break
3:15 PM – 4:05 PM
Community Value That Lasts: Why Durable Partnerships Produce Better Projects
The strongest energy projects don’t just deliver megawatts. They leave behind capacity, ownership, and opportunity that outlast the construction phase. This session looks at what leading developers and their tribal and community partners build into a project from day one: pathways to long-term ownership, workforce development and local hiring, operations and maintenance capability, leadership development, community benefits, and the institutional capacity that lets communities shape future projects on their own terms.
Moderated by Dr. Ramon Sanchez (Mayo/Yaqui), the panel brings together tribal leadership and Native business perspectives. President Amber Silverhorn-Wolfe of the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes will speak to what tribal nations need from partners so projects reflect community priorities and strengthen sovereignty and self-sufficiency. Peter Gregory, CEO of Grey Snow Sovereign Solutions, and John R. Jackson Jr., MCB, (Cherokee), Chief Operating Officer of Veriwatts, will share how they structure partnerships, financing, and project design so value stays in the community, and what separates transactional deals from durable relationships.
Attendees will leave with practical models for structuring partnerships that produce stronger projects, deeper community support, and benefits that compound over the life of the asset.
SPEAKER
President Amber Silverhorn-Wolfe (Wichita/Kiowa/Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes)
President, Wichita and Affiliated Tribes
Read bio
Amber Silverhorn-Wolfe (she/her/ka:hi:kʔa), White Eagle Plume Woman, is a veteran, wife, mother and enrolled citizen of the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes. She proudly carries Kiowa, Cheyenne and Arapaho, and Mexican heritage. As President of the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes, Amber leads with a focus on education, equity, and long-term sustainability for her Nation. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Adult and Higher Education at the University of Oklahoma, Amber is committed to advancing tribal energy sovereignty through utility development and clean energy innovation. She views strategic energy infrastructure as a pathway to economic resilience, self-governance, and intergenerational prosperity for Native communities. Rooted in cultural responsibility and community-centered leadership, Amber views energy sovereignty as essential to tribal self-determination. She works to ensure that development strategies reflect Wichita values while strengthening infrastructure, governance capacity, and economic independence.
Amber Silverhorn-Wolfe (Wichita and Affiliated Tribes)
President
Read bio
Amber Silverhorn-Wolfe (she/her/ka:hi:kʔa), White Eagle Plume Woman, is a veteran, wife, mother and enrolled citizen of the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes. She proudly carries Kiowa, Cheyenne and Arapaho, and Mexican heritage. As President of the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes, Amber leads with a focus on education, equity, and long-term sustainability for her Nation. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Adult and Higher Education at the University of Oklahoma, Amber is committed to advancing tribal energy sovereignty through utility development and clean energy innovation. She views strategic energy infrastructure as a pathway to economic resilience, self-governance, and intergenerational prosperity for Native communities. Rooted in cultural responsibility and community-centered leadership, Amber views energy sovereignty as essential to tribal self-determination. She works to ensure that development strategies reflect Wichita values while strengthening infrastructure, governance capacity, and economic independence.
4:05 PM – 4:25 PM
The Opportunity Is Here: What Will You Do Next? (Closing Remarks)
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. 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
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
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
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
THANK YOU
TO OUR SPONSOR-ALLIES
Sponsorship opportunities are still available!
Email Ruby@tribalcleanenergy.org for more information.