The Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization offering no-cost capacity-building support to tribes through four key pillars – built on a strong foundation of Native American culture and values. 

The mission of the Energy Department is to ensure America’s security and prosperity by addressing its energy, environmental and nuclear challenges through transformative science and technology solutions. In addition, the Deptartment of Energy aims to articulate its core commitments to the public. It has expanded its statement across 4 key pillars: Energy, Science and Innovation, Nuclear Safety and Security, and Genesis Mission. 

EGLE's mission is to protect Michigan’s environment and public health by managing air, water, land, and energy resources. Their vision is a Michigan that respects people, treasures natural resources, and fosters thriving communities throughout our two peninsulas.

Elevate is a nonprofit that wants everyone to have access to clean and affordable heat, power, and water in their homes and communities. They provide access and resources to the people they serve, supporting them to become leaders in the clean energy economy.

Iniskim, LLC was founded by Stephanie Bostwick, Blackfeet Nation, and is an Indigenous-owned consulting firm dedicated to building, maintaining, and growing Tribal energy solutions. The company provides capacity building and training to help American Indian and Alaska Native communities achieve energy sovereignty, resilience, and sustainability through renewable projects.

Andy Bessler is honored to serve Tribal Nations for the Midwest Tribal Energy Resource Association (MTERA) as their Director of Policy and Advocacy. Previously, from 2023-2025, he served the U.S. EPA as a Stakeholder Coalition Coordinator in the Partnerships and Collaboration Division in the Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights. From 2013-2023, he worked as a Director for both the Tribal Clean Transportation Program and the National Tribal Air Association (NTAA) at Northern Arizona University's Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals. From 1999-2013, he worked as a community organizer for the Sierra Club's EJ and Partnerships Programs in the Southwest. Andy now lives in Traverse City, MI after raising two boys in Arizona who are now both undergraduates in Washington state. 

Oweesta is the longest standing Native CDFI intermediary offering financial products and development services exclusively to Native CDFIs and Native communities. Specifically, Oweesta provides training, technical assistance, investments, research, and policy advocacy to help Native communities develop an integrated range of asset-building products and services, including financial education and financial products. 

Red Cloud Renewable is a 501(c)(3) organization that empowers Native American communities by offering vital education in solar installation, sustainable building practices, and weatherization techniques. Through these initiatives, we equip individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to implement renewable energy solutions, construct environmentally friendly structures, and improve the resilience of homes against harsh weather conditions. 

Resilient Energy Solutions is a small team with big ideas to empower communities through sustainable energy solutions. They provide expert project and capacity development services that foster self-determination, economic growth, resilience and sustainability. Driven by a deep respect for the earth and a desire to set future generations up for success, Resilient Energy Solutions aims to inspire and motivate communities to create resilient energy projects that respect traditional knowledge, harness sustainable resources, and build local capacity for long-term energy sovereignty. 

Slipstream creates, tests, delivers, and scales the next generation of energy efficiency and renewable energy programs that move us farther, faster toward a clean energy economy. Slipstream partners with utilities, local and state governments, regulatory agencies and other organizations to inspire new solutions to big energy challenges. With decades of experience demonstrating "what’s next" in programs and technologies, Slipstream is an established and trusted trailblazer in the industry.

Andy Draheim
5 Lakes Energy supports nonprofits, businesses, and government agencies in pursuing their clean energy goals, designing and implementing climate solutions, and delivering economic, public health, and other benefits to the people they serve.As a Lead Consultant with 5 Lakes Energy, Andy Draheim assists local communities and other partners secure and deploy resources to implement their climate resiliency plans and achieve their decarbonization goals.

Brad Banks

Brad Banks is an Energy Efficiency Specialist with the Michigan Public Service Commission Energy Optimization Section.  He is the Co- Chair of the Commission’s Energy Waste Reduction Low Income Workgroup and advisor to the Low Income Energy Policy Board.  Among his assignments he is a member of the Weatherization Assistance Program Policy Advisory Council, member of the Michigan Infrastructure Council Planning Committee and, most recently, a policy advisor to the Detroit Citywide Home Repair Taskforce. He has specialized in energy efficiency and low income policy and programming development and implementation for the last 11years.  He has degrees in History and English from Western Michigan University.  He and his wife live in their cottage on the banks of the Platte River in Benzie County, which they share with their two wet dogs.