The Alliance for Tribal Energy 501(c)(3) is an Indigenous-led nonprofit that supports the self-determined efforts of Native American tribes to transition away from extractive and exploitive energy systems to a clean and regenerative energy future. 

Formerly known as the Indigenous Energy Initiative (IEI), the organization was founded in 2016 by Chéri Smith, a woman of Native American and European descent with 20+ years of senior leadership and consulting roles with organizations including Tesla/SolarCity, U.S. Department of Energy, Interstate Renewable Energy Council, American Council on Renewable Energy, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, and Boston University. 

The organization is guided by a Native-led board and leadership team that includes experienced tribal government, business, cultural, and spiritual leaders, ensuring that we uphold Indigenous values and honor Native lifeways in all we do. Our diverse and growing team of staff and contractors includes Indigenous and non-Indigenous energy experts with specialties in renewable energy technology, policy, finance, education, and workforce development.


Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy

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