Pathways to Trust
A Learning Journey Towards Equitable Tribal Partnerships℠
Pathways to Trust℠ is a comprehensive professional development curriculum designed to prepare individuals and organizations to build effective, respectful partnerships with Tribal Nations. Developed by the Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy, this program addresses the critical knowledge gaps that often undermine cross-cultural collaboration and provides practical frameworks for developing successful working relationships with Tribes.
Program Philosophy
The curriculum is built on the principle that successful Tribal partnerships require more than good intentions — they demand deep understanding of Tribal sovereignty, governance, history, and contemporary realities. Rather than treating cultural competency as a checkbox, the program positions ongoing learning and relationship-building as essential professional skills.
Designed For
- Clean energy developers and service providers
- Federal and state government employees working with Tribal communities
- Legal professionals and consultants navigating Tribal law and jurisdiction
- Project managers and community liaisons building cross-cultural partnerships
- Non-profit organization staff serving Tribal communities
Curriculum Structure
The full Pathways program consists of five interconnected modules, each approximately four hours long, for approximately 20 hours of content. The modules are designed to build foundational knowledge progressively, with each segment deepening participant understanding and reinforcing the skills gained in earlier sessions.
The complete online program is now available on the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) learning platform. For information about in-person, instructor-led delivery of the full program, email pathways@tribalcleanenergy.
Core Learning Objectives
Participants will develop competencies in four key areas:
Legal and Political Literacy
● Understanding Tribal sovereignty as inherent, not granted
● Navigating complex jurisdictional frameworks
● Recognizing Tribal sovereignty and decision-making processes
● Tribal-Federal government-to-government relationship principles
Historical Awareness
● Comprehending the colonial foundations that continue to shape policy
● Understanding historical trauma and its contemporary impacts
● Recognizing patterns of resistance, resilience, and adaptation
● Connecting historical context to present-day partnership challenges
Cultural Competency
● Identifying and addressing implicit biases and misconceptions
● Respecting diverse governance structures and cultural protocols
● Adapting communication styles to different cultural frameworks
● Building authentic relationships beyond transactional interactions
Partnership Skills
● Conducting appropriate research and preparation
● Engaging in meaningful consultation processes
● Creating mutually beneficial partnership structures
● Developing long-term, trust-based relationships
Key Themes and Principles
Sovereignty-Centered
All modules emphasize Tribal sovereignty as the foundation for understanding Tribal-federal-state relationships, moving beyond paternalistic frameworks to recognize Tribes as governmental partners.
Diversity Recognition
The curriculum consistently highlights the tremendous diversity among the 574 federally recognized Tribes, challenging homogenizing assumptions and encouraging Tribe-specific learning.
Historical Consciousness
Historical modules provide essential context for understanding contemporary Tribal priorities, concerns, and partnership approaches, connecting past policies to present realities.
Practical Application
Each module includes real-world examples, case studies, and actionable strategies, ensuring participants can immediately apply learning to their professional contexts.
Ongoing Learning Mindset
The program positions cultural competency as a journey rather than a destination, encouraging continuous education and relationship-building.
Program Impact
Pathways to Trust℠ addresses a critical gap in professional development, providing essential knowledge often absent from traditional education and training programs. By building competency in Tribal partnerships, the program supports more effective collaboration, reduces project risks, creates better outcomes for all parties, and contributes to the broader goal of equitable relationships between Tribal nations and external partners. The curriculum represents a significant investment in relationship-building and cultural bridge-building, positioning participants as more effective partners in Tribal communities while supporting Tribal self-determination and sovereignty goals.
Instructors
Chéri Smith
Chéri Smith is the founder, President, and CEO of the Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy.
She is of Mi’kmaq and European descent. As a 25+ year veteran of the renewable energy sector, she leverages her vast knowledge, experience, network, and relationships to support tribes in their self-determined pursuit of renewable energy — as a means to diminish poverty, protect the earth from climate change, restore economic prosperity and true sovereignty.
Dr. Ramon Sanchez
Dr. Ramon Sanchez is a proud Yaqui and Mayo Indian. Dr. Sanchez provides strategic renewable energy planning, drives innovation, and sustainable economic development in Tribal communities. He fosters tribal sovereignty and community partnerships through education and workforce development.
Dr. Sanchez previously directed programs at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. He has technical expertise in automotive technologies, renewable energies, and sustainable manufacturing systems. He teaches courses at the Harvard Division for Continuing Education on renewable energy, sustainable business, and sustainable product design. His specialties include Energy and Infrastructure Policies and Public Health. He has led large and home renewable energy projects in Native communities in several countries.
Matt Dannenberg
Matt Dannenberg is a proud citizen of the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. Matt’s childhood obsession with tornadoes led to a career in community organizing on climate issues. After serving on President Biden’s 2020 campaign, Dannenberg was appointed to the White House Office of Presidential Personnel, then served at the US Department of Energy as Deputy Chief of Staff in the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) and finished his service as DOE Senior Tribal Liaison. He has a spouse Emma, toddler Ollie and baby Ruthie who inspire him to strive for a more sustainable world.
Christopher McKosato
Christopher McKosato is the Senior Tribal Engagement Liaison for the Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy. Christopher was born and raised in Oklahoma and grew up within his Iowa and Sac N Fox tribal communities. With a dedicated background in Law Enforcement, Victim Advocacy and other various community roles, he witnessed firsthand the energy challenges our tribes and tribal citizens face. Bringing a trauma informed approach to breaking down historical barriers limiting access to energy solutions.
Leigha Bradford
Leigha Bradford is a member of the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians and resides in Polson, MT. She serves as a Program Manager and Tribal Liaison at the Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy. Throughout her career, Leigha has been dedicated to service-driven missions. This includes her work with AmeriCorps and Urban Indian Health Centers, where she focused on strengthening the overall health of Indigenous patients in and around Montana. She connects environmental health with physical, emotional, and mental well-being through the pursuit of energy sovereignty.
About the Alliance
The Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy is an Indigenous-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting the self-determined and just transition of Native American Tribes to a clean energy future. Our mission is to advance energy sovereignty as a pathway to economic security, climate resilience, and the protection of Mother Earth for future generations. We are 100% philanthropically funded, allowing us to offer Tribes the highest level of clean energy development expertise at no cost.
Course Pricing Chart
Have questions about pricing? Email info@seia.org for help.
SEIA will waive registration costs for very economically challenged, Tribal-led small businesses at the discretion of ATCE and SEIA. Contact education@seia.org.
Confirm your company’s status to register your account and get SEIA discount pricing. Contact membership@seia.org.