In September 2026, U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Indian Energy (IE) staff joined tribal leaders, energy professionals, and partners at the Midwest Tribal Energy Resources Association (MTERA) Annual Summit in New Buffalo, Michigan.
Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs
November 10, 2026
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In September 2026, U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Indian Energy (IE) staff joined tribal leaders, energy professionals, and partners at the Midwest Tribal Energy Resources Association (MTERA) Annual Summit in New Buffalo, Michigan. Representing 33 of the 35 federally recognized tribal nations across Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, MTERA provides a collaborative network for advancing tribal energy sovereignty and community-driven energy priorities.
Throughout the Summit, IE Technical Assistance Specialist Dr. Rodney Feazell and Tribal Energy Navigator Sandy Pagan connected with attendees to share information about IE resources, including no-cost technical assistance and tribal resource navigation support. Conversations highlighted tribal interest in microgrids and local power generation, utility interconnection, and regulatory issues. These one-on-one discussions provided an important opportunity to hear directly from tribes about tribal energy priorities, while connecting attendees with resources that can help tribes advance toward their energy goals.
Connecting with attendees
Dr. Rodney Feazell, IE Technical Assistance Specialist, speaks with an MTERA Summit attendee about tribal energy priorities and available IE resources.
Sharing resources
Tribal Energy Navigator Sandy Pagan shares information about various DOE funding and technical assistance resources and IE’s navigation support.
IE at MTERA
Dr. Rodney Feazell and Sandy Pagan represented the DOE Office of Indian Energy at the 2026 MTERA Annual Summit, connecting tribal communities with technical assistance, resources, and support.
Tribal energy in focus
The 2026 MTERA Annual Summit brought together tribal energy leaders and partners for discussions on energy sovereignty, financing, workforce development, community benefits, and coalition building.
An evening in community
Summit participants come together for a Round Dance during the “Evening in Community,” featuring dinner, a musical performance, and Round Dance hosted by the Pokagon Cultural Department.