DENVER — Renewable energy just might be the new economic development tool
for Indian country, while at the same time saving the environment and
promoting a healthier environment.

The Native Renewables Energy Summit will be held in Denver Nov. 15 — 17.
All aspects of renewable energy will be on tap for discussion during the
three-day conference.

Special attention will be paid to the new federal energy bill and what it
means to Indian country. Discussions on the Kyoto Treaty are also
scheduled.

Third-party backers, including green tags and tax breaks, are an important
way for Indian country to finance renewable energy projects and create
economic development for the communities, and more than one speaker will
deal with that topic.

Summit organizers issued a written statement on the gathering’s purpose:

“At a time when the government in Washington is frozen in polarized
positions, it becomes all the more important for progressive forces to find
new goals and rallying grounds at the state, local and tribal levels.
Supporting Native Renewables, both in capital markets and for local healthy
community development, will do just that.

“With green tags and renewable energy credits, Native Renewables projects
can generate immediate financial rewards to revitalize Native economies. In
the long run, they offer tribes a way to invest wisely in sustainable
economic development. For towns and cities, Native Renewables offer clean
electricity to mitigate air pollution and climate change.”

Tribal leaders and community mayors will hold a conclave on energy the
afternoon of Nov. 15.

Topics and speakers include:

* Winona LaDuke, executive director of Honor the Earth — The future of
renewables and the special role and opportunity for tribes;

* Tom Goldtooth, director, Indigenous Environment Initiative — The
importance of renewables projects for tribal economic development;

* Chris Tuttle, USDA Rural Utilities Service — Long-term loans for tribal
energy;

* Lance Morgan, CEO, Ho-Chunk Inc. — Healthy community development;

* Bob Middleton, BIA — The role of the bureau in supporting the Rosebud
Sioux wind project;

* Tim Lisbon, president Trintek Energy Consulting — How to utilize green
tags;

* Tex Hall, chairman, Three Affiliated Tribes — The choices facing tribes
in the present political climate and the need to take the renewables
initiative;

* Steve Begay, DINE Power Authority — New bulk transmission capacity for
traditional and renewables generation; and

* Roger Taylor, manager, Nation Renewable Energy Laboratory’s Tribal Energy
Program — An overview on biomass technology.

For more information visit www.dciamerica.com. Registration forms and
complete agendas are available online, or call (800) 888-1027.