About this Event
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.
Tuesday February 24
🕑: 08:00 AM - 09:00 AM
Arrival: Breakfast & Registration
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.
🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:30 AM
Opening Prayer & Fire Story
Info: - Prayer. - Posting of Colors. - Story of the fire carrier and its meaning for leadership and responsibility. - Setting the intention for the Summit.
🕑: 09:30 AM - 10:15 AM
Keynote: Why We Move "Choosing the Path Forward for Tribal Energy & Economy"
Info: - Energy as Sovereignty. - Infrastructure as legacy. - Why Tribe must lead the next energy transition.
🕑: 10:15 AM - 10:30 AM
Break
Info: Coming Up mid-morning: Reading the Land and Times
🕑: 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Panel: Signs on the Horizon "Understanding the Landscape Before We Move"
🕑: 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM
Lunch Provided
Info: Coming Up - Afternoon: Choosing the Path
🕑: 01:00 PM - 02:30 PM
Session: Paths Before Us "Energy Options for Tribal Communities"
Info: - Microgrids (resilience, independence) . - Hydroelectric, natural gas, geothermal, alternative energy. - Load-anchored development (data centers, industry). - Matching resources to community values and needs.
🕑: 02:30 PM - 02:45 PM
Break
🕑: 02:45 PM - 04:00 PM
Case Studies: Tribes Who Chose Their Path
Info: - What Worked. - What Didn't. - Lessons learned from early decisions.
🕑: 04:00 PM - 04:45 PM
Talking Circle: Choosing Together
Info: - Community, leadership, and partner voices. - Defining Success from a Tribal Perspective.
🕑: 04:45 PM - 05:00 PM
Closing Reflection "Once the Path is Chosen, the Fire Must Be Carried"
Wednesday February 25
🕑: 08:00 AM - 09:00 AM
Breakfast
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
🕑: 08:30 AM - 09:00 AM
Morning Reflection "The Responsibility of the Fire Carrier"
🕑: 09:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Panel: Governance that Carries the Fire
Info: - Tribal Utility Authorities - Sovereign ownership structures - Joint ventures and SPVs - Protecting Tribal control while attracting capital
🕑: 10:30 AM - 10:45 AM
Break
Info: Coming Up - Mid-Morning: Carrying Fire Across Difficult Ground
🕑: 10:45 AM - 12:15 PM
Session: Financing Without Letting the Fire Go Out
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.
🕑: 12:15 PM - 01:15 PM
Lunch Provided
Info: Coming Up - Afternoon: Keeping the Fire Alive
🕑: 01:15 PM - 02:45 PM
Panel: Infrastructure that Sustains the Fire "Microgrids, DCs & Econ Anchors"
Info: - Designing microgrids for resilience - Data centers as stable load and revenue - Waste heat and community benefit - Scaling without overexposure
🕑: 02:45 PM - 03:00 PM
Break
🕑: 03:00 PM - 04:15 PM
Session: Workforce & Community "Who carries the fire next"
Info: - Workforce Development - Tribal colleges and training pathways - Youth, veterans, and returning workers - Keeping opportunity at home
🕑: 04:15 PM - 05:00 PM
Keynote "The Fire Does Not Belong to One Person"
Info: - Leadership Transitions - Institutional memory - Building systems that outlast individuals
Thursday February 26
🕑: 08:00 AM - 09:00 AM
Breakfast
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
🕑: 09:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Session: From Ember to Flame "Project Readiness and First Steps"
Info: - Site readiness - Interconnection & permitting - Partner selection - Timeline to ground-breaking
🕑: 10:30 AM - 10:45 AM
Break
Info: Coming Up - Closing: Lighting the Village
🕑: 10:45 AM - 12:00 AM
Action Circles
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
🕑: 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
Closing Ceremony "lighting the Fire Together"
Info: - Commitments spoken aloud - Carrying the fire forward into the next year - Closing prayer
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Billings, 27 North 27th Street, Billings, United States
USD 81.88 to USD 375.32
