Seminar Overview
Who Should Attend
Tribal energy professionals, tribal leaders, environmental professionals, industry executives, directors, workforce development professionals, governmental officials and consultants.
Why You Will Benefit From Attending
As America modernizes, the call for reliable, clean, base-load power increases to match rising energy demand. In 2025, there exists a rare opportunity for tribal communities to capitalize on the benefits of nuclear infrastructure development. This seminar is designed to inform Native professionals on future opportunities in the nuclear industry, detailing how tribes may capitalize on their energy sovereignty and play a central role in directing nuclear development projects.
What You Will Learn
-
Strategic planning and leadership for nuclear infrastructure
-
The relationship between tribal energy sovereignty and nuclear energy development
-
Workforce and project development opportunities for the next 5-10 years
-
Legislative/policy considerations with nuclear development
TRIBAL ENERGY SOVEREIGNTY & LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
Speakers will explore how sovereignty shapes nuclear energy policy and explain how tribal nations can engage in legislative and regulatory conversations to define their energy futures. The panel will also identify current policy opportunities and challenges in advancing tribal nuclear partnerships.
Moderator: Chris Deschene, Executive Director for the National Inter-Tribal Energy Council
​
-
Alana Edmo, Energy Resources Program Manager, Shoshone-Bannock Tribes
-
Hope Morrow, Manager of Workforce and Economic Programs, Idaho National Laboratory
-
Dr. Richard Luarkie, Program Director at the Colorado School of Mines/Payne Institute (NAMES Program)
PATHWAYS TO PROJECT DEVELOPMENT & PERMITTING
This panel will discuss practical pathways to project implementation, from feasibility studies and workforce planning to navigating permitting and intergovernmental coordination. Speakers will share lessons learned and strategies for ensuring tribal sovereignty remains central throughout the project development process.
Moderator: Scott Lathrop, Chief Executive Officer, Native Nuclear​
​
-
Representative Chris Stearns, Washington State Legislature
-
Jennifer Cash, Managing Partner, Capitol Energy Advocacy
NEXGEN TECHNOLOGIES & PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
This session will highlight innovations driving the nuclear industry, including small modular reactors, microreactors, microgrids, and artificial intelligence. Panelists will discuss partnership opportunities between tribes, government, and industry to advance clean energy goals and sovereignty-driven infrastructure.
Moderator: Jessika Hernandez, Director of Federal Programs & Strategic Initiatives, Native Nuclear
​
-
Edward McGinnis, President & Chief Executive Officer, Curio
-
Sarah Peden, Global Head of Sales, Nuclearn
