Carry the Fire: Tribal Energy Sovereignty Summit 2026

Join us for the Energy Summit 2026, hosted by North Star Public Benefit Corporation and American Indian Consulting Services (AICS), subsidiaries of Native American Development Corporation (NADC), taking place at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Billings, MT from February 24-26, 2026. This event aims to foster collaboration between Native American tribes and private energy companies, paving the way for sustainable energy projects that benefit both communities and businesses.

What to Expect:

• Innovative Presentations: Hear from tribal leaders about their energy initiatives and challenges.
• Keynote Speakers: Gain insights from industry experts in inspiring sessions.
• Networking Opportunities: Engage in discussions with energy leaders and stakeholders.
• Matchmaking Sessions: Connect tribes with energy companies for direct conversations about project development and funding opportunities.

This summit is designed for tribal leaders, energy professionals, and community advocates committed to advancing sustainable energy solutions in Indian Country. By sharing success stories and resources, we aim to empower Native entrepreneurs and decision-makers in shaping their energy futures.

Info: Day 1 - Choosing the Path - Knowing when to move, where to go, and why it matters. Purpose: Establish shared understanding, sovereignty-based decision-making. and strategic direction. Morning: Opening the Circle.

Info: - Prayer. - Posting of Colors. - Story of the fire carrier and its meaning for leadership and responsibility. - Setting the intention for the Summit.

Info: - Energy as Sovereignty. - Infrastructure as legacy. - Why Tribe must lead the next energy transition.

Info: Coming Up mid-morning: Reading the Land and Times

Info: Coming Up - Afternoon: Choosing the Path

Info: - Microgrids (resilience, independence) . - Hydroelectric, natural gas, geothermal, alternative energy. - Load-anchored development (data centers, industry). - Matching resources to community values and needs.

Info: - What Worked. - What Didn't. - Lessons learned from early decisions.

Info: - Community, leadership, and partner voices. - Defining Success from a Tribal Perspective.

Info: Wednesday February 25. Day 2 - Carrying the Fire - Protecting the embers through partnership, governance, and execution. Purpose: Focus on structure, discipline, and stewardship - how to keep momentum alive. Coming Up - Morning: protecting the Embers

Info: - Tribal Utility Authorities - Sovereign ownership structures - Joint ventures and SPVs - Protecting Tribal control while attracting capital

Info: Coming Up - Mid-Morning: Carrying Fire Across Difficult Ground

Info: - Blended capital (grants, tax incentives, equity, debt) - Avoiding extractive partnerships - Long-term revenue stability Outcome: Understanding how to move projects through complexity without losing purpose.

Info: Coming Up - Afternoon: Keeping the Fire Alive

Info: - Designing microgrids for resilience - Data centers as stable load and revenue - Waste heat and community benefit - Scaling without overexposure

Info: - Workforce Development - Tribal colleges and training pathways - Youth, veterans, and returning workers - Keeping opportunity at home

Info: - Leadership Transitions - Institutional memory - Building systems that outlast individuals

Info: Day 3 - Lighting the New Village (Half Day) - Turning Vision into living, working systems. Purpose: Move from planning to commitment and next steps. Morning: Setting the Fire Down

Info: - Site readiness - Interconnection & permitting - Partner selection - Timeline to ground-breaking

Info: Coming Up - Closing: Lighting the Village

Info: Participants break into focus groups: - Energy development - Data centers & anchor tenants - Financing & Governance - Workforce & community benefits. Each group identifies: - Immediate next actions - Fire Carriers (responsible parties) - First milestones

Info: - Commitments spoken aloud - Carrying the fire forward into the next year - Closing prayer

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Native American Development Corporation