Events
MTERA Annual Summit
Plan Now To join us!
We look forward to connecting with you for two full days (September 22–23) of real conversations.
Day 3 (September 24) is reserved for a CLOSED Board of Directors meeting for MTERA Member Tribe Energy Leaders.
Please check back frequently for updates on registration, agenda announcements, sponsorship opportunities & more!
For more information, please email:
contactus@mtera.org
Why This Summit Matters
For too long, energy decisions impacting Tribal communities have been made without adequate Tribal input. These decisions affect everything from economic development to the daily lives of Tribal Members. At our Annual Summit, we’re changing that narrative.
Since 2014, MTERA has grown from five passionate Member Tribes into a vital bridge connecting Tribal Nations who understand that energy solutions must reflect each community’s unique values, needs, and traditions. We honor the seven generations’ teaching; that today’s decisions must benefit those living seven generations into the future.
We understand the importance of building community-rooted solutions, connections among peers, coalition partners, and energy leaders as this is essential for fostering collaboration, innovation, and growth within any industry.
The foundation of our work is built on the principle of Tribes helping Tribes.
This gathering creates the space where Tribal Nations come together to share knowledge, build relationships, and develop strategies that honor both sovereignty and the sacred responsibility to live respectfully with the earth.
Please check back frequently for updates on registration, agenda announcements, sponsorship opportunities & more!
Register Now To Attend
Get inspired & energized at MTERA’s 2026 Annual Summit, where we focus on empowering Tribal Nations as they navigate their energy journey. Join us September 22–24 at Four Winds Casino Resort and help energize nations, empower generations, and drive lasting impact.
Choose your registration type below.
1. MTERA Member Tribes
If you are an MTERA Member Tribe representative, complete the Member Tribe Registration form below. *Each attendee must submit a separate form.
Member Tribes – Need travel assistance? Email us at contactus@mtera.org to make an inquiry.
All others, please purchase a general admission ticket to attend.
We look forward to connecting with you in September!
2. General Admission
The Midwest Tribal Energy Resources Association (MTERA) invites partners, funders, policymakers, allies, and energy professionals to our 2026 Annual Summit, a rare opportunity to connect with the tribal energy leaders driving energy sovereignty throughout the Midwest.
This is not your typical gathering. You’ll engage directly with tribal energy professionals leading on-the-ground initiatives. Discover how Midwest Tribes are advancing energy development, shaping policy, and building a skilled workforce; all tailored to the unique structures of their Tribal Communities. Most importantly, you’ll forge meaningful relationships with MTERA Member Tribes, fellow attendees, and the organizations at the forefront of this movement.
If you are dedicated to supporting tribal energy sovereignty, accelerating energy solutions, or collaborating with Tribes shaping their own futures, this summit is a must-attend event.
Your partnership matters here!
Purchase your General Admission Ticket ($500 each) to join us at the 2026 MTERA Annual Summit. Each attendee needs a separate general admission ticket.
Maximize Your Impact with Sponsorship: Take your participation to the next level with our sponsorship opportunities! All sponsorship packages include complimentary summit tickets, eliminating the need to purchase separate admission tickets when you sponsor. Visit the Become a Sponsor tab to learn more.
Don’t forget to follow us on LinkedIn for more updates!
Hotel & Travel Information
Event Venue
The 2026 MTERA Annual Summit will be hosted at the Four Winds Casino in New Buffalo, MI!
Plan Your Visit
The Summit Schedule
The 2026 MTERA Annual Summit runs for two full days on Tuesday, September 22nd and Wednesday, September 23rd. On Thursday, September 24th, we’re holding a closed Board of Directors meeting for Member Tribes. Member Tribe representatives should plan to attend.
When to Arrive & Depart
We recommend arriving on Monday, September 21st. Check-in opens at 4 PM EST, and check-out is 11 AM EST.
If you’re from a Member Tribe, plan to stay through Friday, September 25th. All other attendees should depart by Thursday, September 24th.
Where to Stay
We’ve reserved a room block at Four Winds Casino New Buffalo, our summit venue. Staying onsite keeps you connected with other attendees and makes the most of your time with us.
Book You Stay
Reserve Online
1. Go to: https://fourwindscasino.com/
2. Select book a room
3. Select property “New Buffalo” then put in the group/Event Code: 0926MTERA
4. Once you enter the above information, the dates of your block will generate, then follow the rest of the prompts to reserve your room, select check-in date, and check-out date, select room type, and select continue.
Reserve By Phone
Please call 1-866-494-6371 and request to book a room under the “MTERA Midwest Tribal Energy Resources Association, Inc.”
*Guests have until August 30, 2026, to book under This room block.
Getting to the Four Winds
Please select the property location below to get driving directions from the most common area locations or Google directions for door-to-door instructions.
Four Winds New Buffalo
11111 Wilson Rd. New Buffalo, MI 49117
Closest Airport Options
South Bend (IN) International Airport – 32.4 Miles
Chicago Midway International Airport – 72.8 Miles
Chicago O’Hare International Airport – 94 Miles
Grand Rapids International Airport – 116 Mile
2026 MTERA Awards
Call for Nominations
The MTERA Annual Summit Awards celebrate the individuals who are transforming the landscape of tribal clean energy development. These leaders embody the summit’s mission of energizing nations and empowering generations through their commitment to tribal energy sovereignty.
Since MTERA’s founding in 2014, we have witnessed remarkable leaders emerge across the Midwest; from innovative emerging professionals to seasoned champions who have dedicated their careers to this meaningful work.
These awards honor those who serve as bridges between Tribal Communities and energy solutions, respecting the sovereignty and unique cultural heritage of each Tribe while driving meaningful change. They represent the collective action that is at the heart of MTERA’s mission: empowering Tribes to manage their energy resources and shape the decisions that affect tribal land, water, air, peoples, and economies.
Nominate a Leader Today! Help us recognize the leaders who are energizing nations and empowering generations through their dedication to tribal clean energy development.
Important Details:
- Each award has its own nomination form to capture the specific information needed for that category
- Anyone can nominate – including self-nominations
- Submission Deadline: Friday, August 7, 2026
How to Submit: Complete the online nomination form below for the award of your choice.
Selection Process: The MTERA award selection committee will review all nominations. Award recipients will be notified in advance and must be available to accept their award in person during the Awards Luncheon on September 23, 2026, at the Four Winds in New Buffalo, MI, as part of the 2026 MTERA Annual Summit.
Questions about nominations? Email us at contactus@mtera.org
Award Categories
1. Energy Champion of the Year Award
Honoring exceptional impact in the past year.
This award recognizes individuals who have made significant, measurable contributions to tribal clean energy development within the past year. We celebrate those whose exceptional leadership, innovation, or service has strengthened tribal energy sovereignty and positively impacted Tribal communities.
What We’re Looking For:
- The nominee should demonstrate exceptional leadership, innovation, or service that has positively impacted tribal communities, advanced clean energy projects on tribal lands, or strengthened tribal energy sovereignty.
- Eligible nominees include tribal energy leaders from MTERA Member Tribes, tribal organizations, and non-tribal partners who have made significant contributions to advancing tribal clean energy goals in the Midwest region. Examples might include leading a major clean energy project on tribal lands, implementing capacity building programs for tribal energy development, advancing policy initiatives that support tribal energy sovereignty, or demonstrating exceptional service to tribal energy communities while respecting tribal culture and self-determination.
- The nomination must include quantifiable results or specific impacts of the nominee’s work on advancing tribal clean energy.
Eligible Nominees: Tribal energy leaders from MTERA Member Tribes, tribal organizations, and non-tribal allies across the energy industry.
Before submitting your nomination, please review the Nomination Question Preparation Document, which outlines all questions you’ll need to answer during the submission process. This resource will help you gather the necessary information and prepare thoughtful responses in advance.
2. Long Time Energy Champion Award
Lifetime achievement in tribal energy development.
This prestigious lifetime achievement award celebrates individuals who have dedicated their careers to advancing tribal clean energy development and sovereignty over many years (minimum 15 years). We honor those whose sustained commitment has built tribal energy capacity and mentored the next generation of leaders.
What We’re Looking For:
- This recognition honors those whose long-term commitment has helped build tribal energy capacity, mentor tribal energy leaders, and drive positive change for indigenous communities throughout their careers.
- Nominees should demonstrate a pattern of leadership, innovation, and service that has strengthened tribal energy sovereignty, with evidence of mentoring tribal energy professionals, contributing to tribal energy knowledge and capacity, or driving systemic improvements in clean energy development on tribal lands.
- The nomination should highlight the nominee’s career-spanning achievements and their lasting impact on tribal energy development and sovereignty.
Eligible Nominees: Tribal energy leaders from MTERA Member Tribes, tribal organizations, and non-tribal allies who have consistently supported tribal clean energy goals.
Before submitting your nomination, please review the Nomination Question Preparation Document, which outlines all questions you’ll need to answer during the submission process. This resource will help you gather the necessary information and prepare thoughtful responses in advance.
Celebrating Leaders Who Shape Our
Energy Future
In 2025, MTERA recognized two Tribal Energy Professionals for their exceptional contributions to the Tribal Energy space and the communities they serve.
Lifetime Achievement Award: Bruno Zagar, Environmental Specialist and Energy Projects Manager for the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, recognized for 50 years of dedication to Tribal energy sovereignty and mentoring future leaders.
Emerging Energy Leader Award: Isabella Wabindato, Energy Program Manager for the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, was honored for expanding her Tribe’s energy program into a thriving group and driving multiple clean energy projects.
Please join us in celebrating last year’s recipients and honoring the leaders who are lighting the path toward tribal energy sovereignty.
Ready to celebrate excellence in tribal energy leadership?
Head over to the “Register Now” tab to secure your spot at the 2026 MTERA Annual Summit today!
2026 Agenda
Our team is collaborating with the Board of Directors to craft an engaging agenda filled with opportunities for learning, networking, and community sharing.
The 2026 MTERA Annual Summit will take place over two full days: Tuesday, September 22nd and Wednesday, September 23rd. On Thursday, September 24th, a closed Board of Directors (BOD) meeting will be held exclusively for Member Tribes (MTERA BOD Members, please plan to attend).
We are finalizing the schedule and will update this page as soon as more details are available. Please check back soon for the complete Summit agenda.
Thank You to Our
2026 Annual Summit Sponsors
The MTERA Annual Summit is made possible through the generous support of our sponsors. We’re deeply grateful to these organizations for standing with us and supporting tribal energy sovereignty. Their investment is about more than just this event. It reflects a shared belief in tribal self-determination, workforce development, and the long-term energy future of Native nations across the Midwest.
Become a Sponsor
Interested in sponsoring the 2026 MTERA Summit? Visit the “Become a Sponsor” tab to explore our sponsorship tiers and the benefits included with each package. When you’re ready to select your sponsorship level, simply email us at contactus@mtera.org to secure your spot.
Partner With Purpose
Sponsorship Opportunities
The MTERA Annual Summit is a forum for tribal energy, bringing together energy professionals from Tribal Nations across Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, as well as federal and State partners and regional allies.
Sponsoring this event positions your organization at the center of a community actively shaping the future of Indigenous energy sovereignty.
Your investment doesn’t just fund an event. It signals alignment with tribal self-determination, workforce development, and the long-term energy goals of Tribal Nations across the Midwest.
Join us as a sponsor of the 2026 MTERA Annual Summit and help us energize nations and empower generations. Your investment in this event directly supports MTERA’s mission to empower Tribes to manage their energy resources through collective action.
Who will Be In Attendance?
Summit attendees represent a cross-section of the tribal energy ecosystem: elected tribal leaders and staff, energy program managers, federal agency representatives, nonprofit partners, and workforce development professionals from across the region. This is a relationship-driven audience that values aligned, mission-minded partners.
Become a Sponsor
Interested in sponsoring the 2026 MTERA Summit? Once you’ve explored the “Become a Sponsor” tab and are ready to select your sponsorship level, simply email us at contactus@mtera.org to secure your spot as a valued sponsor.