Great Lakes Tribal Economic Summit Highlights Clean Energy Finance and Native CDFIs’ Role in Indian Country

New Buffalo, Michigan – The third annual Great Lakes Tribal Economic Summit was held at the tribally-owned Four Winds Casino in New Buffalo, Michigan, gathering tribal leaders, officials, and executives from Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota to discuss economic development initiatives.

Pete Upton, CEO of the Native CDFI Network, participated in a panel with Pilar Thomas of Quarles & Brady LLP and Chéri Smith of the Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy. The session, titled “Navigating the Complexities of Clean Energy Finance in Indian Country,” explored the opportunities emerging from the $27 billion Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund and new tax credits. Panelists discussed leveraging programs such as the Clean Communities Investment Accelerator, Solar for All, USDA’s REAP program, BIA loan guarantees, and DOE Indian Energy grants to fund clean energy projects in tribal communities.

On September 18th, Upton joined Sean Winters, Executive Director of Chi. Ishobak and Fern Orie, Interim CEO of the Wisconsin Indigenous Economic Development Corporation, to discuss the critical role of Native CDFIs in Serving Indian Country. The session emphasized how Native CDFIs are driving economic growth by increasing access to capital and financial services in underserved tribal areas.

Upton said, “The Great Lakes Tribal Economic Summit has become an essential platform for fostering collaboration and innovation in tribal economies, ensuring that Native communities can capitalize on clean energy opportunities and financial independence”.