TULALIP, WA – The Indian Gaming Association (IGA) has announced the addition of a new education track to this year’s annual Mid-Year Conference & Expo, titled “Harnessing the Power: Green Energy in Indian Country.” The track is designed to explore the transformative potential of renewable energy initiatives within Native American communities and will feature insights from tribal leaders and experts in the field.
The Indian Gaming Association’s Mid-Year Conference & Expo is a meeting place for leaders in the tribal gaming community. This year’s event takes place September 16-18 at the Tulalip Resort Casino in Tulalip, WA.
“Harnessing the Power: Green Energy in Indian Country” aims to highlight successful solar, wind, geothermal, and biomass projects that foster economic growth and sustainability opportunities. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from industry pioneers and engage in discussions that can inspire and inform their own renewable energy initiatives.
Sessions will take place on Tuesday, September 17 and include:
- Tribal Energy Sovereignty: Leading the Green Energy Movement – Indigenous communities are playing a crucial role in driving the transition to renewable energy sources. Explore how tribal nations are leveraging their unique cultural knowledge and land stewardship practices to develop and implement innovative clean energy projects. Participants will gain insights into the economic, environmental, and social benefits of tribal energy sovereignty, as well as the challenges and opportunities faced by these communities in the green energy landscape.
- Green Energy Financing: Opportunities for Native American Tribes – A growing landscape of financial resources is available to Native American tribes for developing renewable energy projects. Explore federal and state grants, tax incentives, private investment opportunities, and innovative financing models tailored to tribal communities. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how to access these resources to build a sustainable energy future, create economic opportunities, and strengthen tribal sovereignty.
- Future of Energy: Innovations and Emerging Technologies – The energy landscape is undergoing a rapid transformation, driven by groundbreaking innovations and emerging technologies. This session will explore the cutting-edge advancements shaping the future of energy production, distribution, and consumption. Participants will gain insights into renewable energy sources, energy storage solutions, smart grids, and other disruptive technologies that are revolutionizing the industry. The session will also examine the potential impact of these innovations on the environment, economy, and society as a whole.
Current speakers for the Mid-Year Conference & Expo include leaders from the Tulalip Tribes and Puyallup Tribe; Ken Ahmann, Chief Operations Officer of Colusa Indian Energy; Matt Peeler, Managing Director of USDA & Tribal Lending at Pathward; Rion Ramirez, Chief Executive Officer of Port Madison Enterprises; Thomas Steirer, CEO of Native Star, Inc; David Postman, Chief of the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board; and Rep. Chris Stearns from the 47th Legislative District.
“Through our ongoing education programs, both virtually and at events, we aim to support IGA members and the Indian community as a whole,” said Victor Rocha, Education Chairman at the Indian Gaming Association. “We developed this track to provide a platform for sharing innovative renewable energy solutions that are making a real impact. Our goal is to inspire attendees to harness the power of green energy to drive both environmental sustainability and economic growth within their tribes and communities.”