Our Vision

Tribally-led energy development becomes the model for community-led clean energy transitions across the world.

The energy system is undergoing significant change. New technology, new policies, new business models are reshaping how energy is generated and delivered to customers during a time with significant expected load growth due to electrification and the AI revolution. This clean energy transition requires significant investment in infrastructure and people. Tribes are well-positioned to take advantage of the economic opportunity and take the lead in the transition for the following reasons:

  • Renewable resources on Tribal Lands are significant. According to a 2018 study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the economic potential of wind and solar alone on Tribal Lands totals $75 billion in project investment.

  • Tribal Sovereignty affords the Tribe unique advantages when it comes to shaping energy policy, developing renewable energy projects, and managing energy resources. Specifically, Tribes with a strong plan and commitment to Tribally-led energy and infrastructure development can offer shorter timelines to construction by aligning regulations and policy with their economic development strategy.

  • Tribal Values align with the major themes of the clean energy transition: sustainability, self-reliance, and locally-owned generation. 

  • Tribal Governance allows the Tribe to enhance the value of energy projects by ensuring the potential benefits are realized across various tribal departments: land and natural resources, gaming, economic development, housing, public works, community services, etc.

Our Mission is to maximize the value of the clean energy transition on Tribal lands using a Tribally-led energy planning, development, ownership, and management model.

The following key metrics break down how we help Tribes maximize value.

Key Metric #1: Tribes Have a Plan to Capture Value

We ensure that our support has a framework that is driven by each Tribe’s unique energy landscape and priorities. Before engaging on detailed planning, we want to make sure all Tribes have the following:

  • Every Tribe we work with has a clear, actionable plan that aligns with their broader vision.

  • The economic and environmental opportunities of the clean energy transition are defined and understood.

  • The plan includes an organizational model and strategy to build internal Tribal capacity and leadership in energy.

Key Metric #2: Project Completion Rate

We track how many planned projects turn into real, on-the-ground results.

  • Measured as % realization of potential projects (those aligned with the roadmap) that are fully completed.

  • Includes:

    • Total number of completed projects, as a fraction of

    • Total number of potential, roadmap-aligned opportunities

  • This metric helps us stay focused on execution, not just planning, as well as focus on value creation for smaller, less resourced Tribes that may not have as much potential as larger, wealthier Tribes.

Key Metric #3: Direct Value Creation

We measure the tangible financial and performance benefits of Tribal energy work.

  • Cost savings from reduced energy use or better energy management

  • Revenue from power generation projects

  • Net income from energy-related enterprises

  • Improved energy reliability and resiliency

  • Carbon emissions reduced through clean energy investments

 Key Metric #4: Indirect Value Creation

We also track broader, long-term benefits that energy projects unlock beyond the direct value capture.

  • Environmental and financial sustainability the strategy and projects pursued should improve the lives of Tribal members seven generations into the future. Near-term wins should not sacrifice long-term sustainability.

  • New jobs created for Tribal members

  • Local economic growth driven by new infrastructure

  • Quality of life improvements, including access to reliable power, broadband, and clean water

Key Metric #5: Value Distribution

We make sure the value flows mainly to the Tribe, not outside entities.

  • Measured as % of total project value that stays with the Tribe versus what goes to outside vendors, developers, or consultants

Our Values

The Seven Grandfather Teachings are fundamental principles that guide moral conduct and living a good life among the Anishinaabe people:

  1. Love: Caring for oneself and others.

  2. Respect: Honoring all living things and the environment.

  3. Bravery: Facing challenges and standing up for what is right.

  4. Truth: Being honest and transparent in actions and words.

  5. Honesty: Upholding integrity in all dealings.

  6. Humility: Recognizing one's place in the world and valuing others.

  7. Wisdom: Applying knowledge and experience to make good decisions.

Our values tap into these principles, but are tailored to our work:

1.   Start with the Tribe

Applicable Seven Teachings: Respect
We put Tribal Nations first. We listen carefully, respect sovereignty, and build real relationships with Tribal leadership and staff. For all projects, we show up with passion for the Tribe and the project.

2.   Make the Right Decisions

Applicable Seven Teachings: Honesty, Bravery, Wisdom
We choose integrity over convenience. If something doesn’t feel right, we speak up. We’re honest and objective with our work and brave enough to make tough calls. Our success hinges on making the right decisions and recommendations, based on our objective advice and analysis, that are in the Tribe’s best interest.

3.   Treat People with Respect

Applicable Seven Teachings: Respect, Humility
Respect is a must. Whether it’s a Tribal leader, coworker, or partner, we treat everyone with care and dignity. We listen more than we talk, and we stay humble: there is always more to learn.

4.   Create Value for Tribes

Applicable Seven Teachings: Wisdom, Truth
We aim for long-term impact, not just quick wins. We stay honest about what’s working and what’s not, and we use that insight to build smarter, better, lasting solutions.

5.   Support Self-Determination

Applicable Seven Teachings: Love, Respect
We support the right of Tribes, and our teammates, to lead their own path. We trust each other to take initiative, share ideas, and grow.

6.   Plan Well, Trust Each Other

Applicable Seven Teachings: Bravery, Truth, Wisdom
Strong teams don’t happen by chance. We earn trust by communicating clearly, following through, and asking for help when we need it. Planning isn’t red tape — it’s respect in action.

7.   Show Empathy

Applicable Seven Teachings: Love, Respect, Humility
We take care of each other and our clients. That means checking in, giving people space, and recognizing that everyone’s carrying something. We lead with kindness, always.

8.   Make Work Meaningful and Fun

Applicable Seven Teachings:Love
Our work is hard, but we should love it and find significant meaning in the day-to-day challenges we face. When our efforts line up with our values, we find energy and joy, even on the tough days.