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Tribal leaders unite to drive sustainable energy solutions

October 2025

by Joel Haskard
Central, MN Northeast, MN Northwest, MN Southeast, MN

The Midwest Tribal Energy Resources Association (MTERA) believes that energy has a significant impact on Tribes. The non-profit intertribal organization is made up of federally recognized Tribal nations that share geography with Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Membership in MTERA signifies a Tribe’s formal commitment to advancing energy sovereignty, sustainability, and clean energy development in Tribal communities. 

MTERA members

This thinking aligns well with the Clean Energy Resource Teams’ (CERTs) efforts. In 2024, MTERA was awarded CERTs Seed Grants in four Minnesota regions.

Helping support Tribal staff capacity

During 2024, many Tribal nations had staff scrambling to find the time and resources needed to apply for federal grants. With support from CERTs Seed Grants, MTERA was able to distribute funds to Tribal staff across the state to develop project concepts, support grant writing, plus aid other application efforts for Tribes applying for federal funding. In addition to the CERTs regional seed grant allocations, MTERA supplemented the effort with their own staff time to support Tribes in the lengthy federal application processes. This support went to Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, White Earth Nation, Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, and the Prairie Island Indian Community, as well as outreach to all the Tribal nations that share geography with Minnesota.

Moving forward despite adversary

In 2024 MTERA was awarded $62.3 million Solar for All federal grants, to support the implementation of Tribally-owned community and residential solar projects. This funding has recently been revoked by the current administration. Undaunted, MTERA is forging ahead.

The organization held their 2025 annual conference at the Potawatomi Casino and Hotel in Milwaukee, Wisc. The event brought together Tribal leaders, energy professionals, and community representatives “committed to ensuring that Tribal priorities shape energy decisions affecting Tribal land, water, air, peoples, and economies.”

“Our annual summit demonstrates what's possible when Tribal nations come together around shared priorities,” says Daniel Wiggins Jr., MTERA’s executive director. “Despite setbacks with federal funding, our Member Tribes remain committed to leading clean energy development on their own terms, focusing on what is best for their Tribal communities. This embodies the resilience that has sustained Tribal nations for generations.”

CERTs Co-Director Diana McKeown (middle left) joins hands with MTERA community members at the annual conference

 

CERTs Co-Director Diana McKeown (middle left) joins hands with MTERA community members at the annual conference. 
 

A list of MTERA member Tribes.

 

A list of MTERA member Tribes who share geography with Minnesota. 
 

CERTs Co-Director, Joel Haskard, connects with community members at the MTERA annual conference.

 

CERTs Co-Director Joel Haskard connects with community members at the MTERA annual conference.
 

"We are deeply grateful to our partners for attending the summit and for their continued support of MTERA, our Member Tribes, and our mission of advancing Tribal energy sovereignty. Together, we will continue moving forward, regardless of the challenges we face." 

 

– Daniel Wiggins Jr., MTERA Executive Director

CERTs is proud to be an associate member of MTERA, recognizing Tribal nations whose leadership continues to drive progress toward energy sovereignty and a more sustainable future. CERTs co-directors Diana McKeown and Joel Haskard joined the conference to listen, learn, and support this work better.

“MTERA does an amazing job of helping coordinate and facilitate the clean energy priorities that are brought to them by their members,” notes CERTs Co-Director Joel Haskard. “The annual conference was a great example of their ability to connect people and projects together. They are nimble and able to meet the needs and challenges presented to them as Tribes across the Upper Midwest work to create energy independence.”
 

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