Re-envisioning the role individual communities play in the acceleration and implementation of clean energy projects, the Midwest Tribal Energy Resources Association (MTERA) and the Clean Energy Community Initiative, a campus-wide effort originated by the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s Grainger Institute for Engineering, are partnering on a new approach. Together, they are looking to identify and champion potential projects where community priorities, clean energy technologies, and funding opportunities align.
“We are excited to partner with [UW’s Clean Energy Community Initiative],” Jake Glavin, MTERA’s executive director says. “This partnership will unlock more value for our Member Tribes, as we will have access to cutting-edge resources, expertise, and opportunities to navigate the complex clean energy industry that is ripe with opportunity for Tribes.”
MTERA, comprised of 23 Member Tribes across Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan, leverages the collective strength, wisdom, and resources of members to develop Tribal capacity to plan, deploy, and manage clean energy assets. Driven by a shared responsibility to live respectfully with the earth, MTERA members aim to unlock the significant value from clean energy resources on Tribal lands, tap into each other’s unique experiences and expertise, and ensure a thriving future for generations to come.
“Being part of MTERA allowed [the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe] to network with other Tribes with more energy experience and receive services that strengthens the Tribe’s energy sovereignty,” says Charles J. Lippert, Air Quality Specialist for Minnesota’s Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe.
Honoring and respecting the sovereignty and culture of each Tribe is the partnership’s most important objective. That’s why two-way engagement forms the foundation of the collaboration, enabling individual communities to identify their needs, priorities, and values; participate in the implementation of solutions; and experience the benefits of their decisions.
“With this effort we want to really build a true partnership by listening to and serving communities,” says Oliver Schmitz, Grainger Institute for Engineering director and the College of Engineering’s associate dean for research innovation. “MTERA is a unique partner in the statewide clean energy network, bringing essential Tribal perspectives and a breadth of knowledge and experience.”
According to Schmitz, most academic researchers are driven by a desire to have a positive impact on society, making this opportunity for faculty to engage at the intersection of technology application and community-led solution-building significant. Partnering with MTERA and their member Tribes will enable academia to engage in two-way learning with Tribal communities and develop strong, reciprocal relationships.
Together, the partners look forward to leading Wisconsin and the Midwest in the clean energy transition as part of the emerging Clean Energy Community Initiative. This collaboration has already facilitated several large-scale proposals built around community benefit approaches and technology solutions, Schmitz says. Led by a multi-sector planning council that includes the College of Engineering and MTERA, this growing network is working to establish and grow a clean energy ecosystem in which communities, workforce development, job creation, education, research, policy, tech transfer, entrepreneurship, investment, and respect for our planet and future generations are all intertwined.
“We believe that energy sovereignty is a key component of Tribal self-determination and resilience,” Glavin says. “Together, we can create a brighter and more sustainable future for our communities.”
By Adrienne Nienow and Katie Amdahl
