Native Nations Lead the Way: Caddo Nation Hosts Energy in Transition Symposium

Norman, OK — In a time when the nation's energy future is in flux, tribal nations are gathering to take the lead in shaping sustainable, sovereign solutions. The Native American Energy in Transition Symposium, hosted October 2-3, 2025, by the Caddo Nation in partnership with SAKU, the Caddo Nation Economic Development Authority (CNEDA), the University of Oklahoma Native Nations Center, ICAST, and the NSF RANGE Project, opened its first day with a call to action: Native nations are not waiting on others to define their energy future — they are building it themselves.

The two-day event, held at the Sam Noble Museum of Natural History on the University of Oklahoma campus, drew more than 70 attendees including tribal leaders from 10 recognized tribes, energy experts, policymakers, and community members to explore pathways for advancing tribal sovereignty through energy development. The theme for Day One, "Building Sovereign Energy Futures," was evident in every session, from tribal leaders sharing their own success stories to panels that tackled hard questions of governance, land use, and policy barriers.

A Ceremonial Opening and Call to Action

The day began with a ceremonial posting of colors by the Kiowa Black Leggings Color Guard and a welcome by Caddo Nation Princess Kendall Danielle Howell. Caddo Nation Chairman Bobby Gonzalez set the tone with opening remarks that underscored the urgency of Native-led energy initiatives.

"Understanding energy transformation is essential for tribal sovereignty and for the prosperity of the Caddo Nation and many other nations in Oklahoma," Chairman Gonzalez stated. "Our nations have always adapted to challenges. Energy is no different — it is a tool for sovereignty, for self-sufficiency, and for ensuring a stronger future for our people."

Caddo Nation Chairman Bobby Gonzalez

Tribal Leaders: Energy as Sovereignty

The first panel of the day — Tribal Leaders Energy Panel Discussion: Challenges and Opportunities — brought together an influential group of leaders: Chairman John "Rocky" Barrett (Citizen Potawatomi Nation), Council Regent Reggie Wassana (Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes), Chairman Gonzalez (Caddo Nation of Oklahoma), Chairman Lawrence Spottedbird (Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma), and Andy Wetherell (Southern Ute Department of Energy).

Each spoke candidly about how their nations are approaching energy development. Some tribes have extensive infrastructure, utilities, and established enterprises. Others, with smaller land bases or limited budgets, are making incremental but meaningful steps toward renewable and sustainable energy projects.

What united them was a shared conviction: Native nations cannot afford to stand idle.

"We may not all move at the same pace, but we are all moving," said Regent Reggie Wassana, reflecting the determination echoed across the panel. "Even small projects can build momentum, and momentum creates opportunity."

Chairman Barrett of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation pointed out that energy isn't just about infrastructure, but about future generations. "Our energy sovereignty is about our grandchildren," he said. "The choices we make today determine the resources and opportunities they will inherit."

The panel also stressed that Native nations hold some of the most promising resources and lands for energy production. From wind and solar to responsible natural gas and remediation efforts, tribes have both the land base and the cultural imperative to balance energy innovation with stewardship of the earth.

Left to right: Chairman John “Rocky” Barrett (Citizen Potawatomi Nation), Governor Reggie Wassana (Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes) Chairman Gonzalez (Caddo Nation of Oklahoma), Chairman Lawrence Spottedbird (Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma) and Andy Wetherell (Southern Ute Department of Energy).

Hard Questions and Bold Ideas

Following the morning panel, sessions tackled pressing issues that tribes face in advancing their energy agendas. Session 2 examined the challenges and opportunities of funding projects on reservations versus allotted lands — a legal and bureaucratic maze that can stall progress. Speakers like JC Whorton of EnDev Resources LLC Inc., Stephen Ward, and Zechariah Harjo highlighted practical strategies and the critical need for legal expertise, partnerships, and persistence in navigating these barriers.

"This symposium is a unique event that brings together tribal leaders, industry experts and university researchers to discuss how energy transformation can benefit every corner of the state of Oklahoma and beyond," noted Whorton, who serves as Founding Member Director of EnDev Resources LLC Inc. and was both a symposium organizer and speaker.

From left to right: Magan Begler-Caddo Oil & Gas Tax Administrator, Sean Murphy-Consulate of Malta of the UK, Marvin Leeth-EnDev Resources Founder & Director, Bobby Gonzalez-Caddo Nation Chairman, Nick Nichols(Caddo)-Owner of Nichols Energy Services of OKC, JC Wharton- Jr.-Director, EnDev Resources, Zackeree Klein(Caddo)-J.D.-Davis Klein Law Firm Founder & Vice Chairman of the Caddo Economic Development Authority(CNEDA), Steve Ward-J.D. Senior Federal Indian Lawyer for Caddo Nation with Connor Winters.

Afternoon sessions turned toward economic development, abandoned well remediation, and building institutional governance. The symposium featured contributions from federal agencies including the Bureau of Indian Affairs, as well as insights from the Oklahoma Geological Survey and several tribal utilities exploring microgrid development and market access. "Every barrier is an opportunity for innovation," said Marvin Leeth of EnDev Oklahoma, LLC, during the discussion on plugging orphaned wells. "Tribes can turn legacy problems into future solutions."

Academic Partnership and Research Innovation

The symposium showcased the breadth of academic expertise available to support tribal energy initiatives. Faculty from the University of Oklahoma's School of Sustainable Chemical, Biological, and Materials Engineering (SCBME), Geosciences, Petroleum and Geological Engineering, Oklahoma Geological Survey, Electrical and Computer Engineering, the Water Survey, and Civil Engineering and Environmental Science presented findings from their energy-related research projects. "We are honored to partner with the Caddo Nation to provide a platform for important conversations between OU researchers and leaders and energy experts of the Native Nations," said Dimitrios Papavassilliou, SCBME Director and C. M. Sliepcevich Professor of Chemical Engineering. "This symposium is a great testament to the ongoing commitment of the University of Oklahoma to conduct practice-focused research that can improve the lives of all Oklahomans."

Success Stories and Shared Futures

As the day wound down, the spotlight turned to success stories from across Indian Country. Leaders from the Southern Ute Department of Energy, the Tribal Energy Consortium, and the Kiowa Tribe highlighted case studies showing that Native energy projects are not hypothetical — they are happening now, creating jobs, reducing costs, and strengthening sovereignty. The symposium discussions emphasized how Native Nations could leverage self-governance and strategic collaborations to advance energy initiatives. Representatives showcased their leadership in expanding and strengthening energy portfolios, sharing strategies for developing sustainable energy systems that align with tribal sovereignty and self-determination. The final session, led by Oklahoma State University's Brandon Dinsmore, addressed the federal policy outlook, with attention on how congressional budgets and executive orders shape tribal energy opportunities.

ICAST's Bridging Role

As a co-host and collaborator, the Institute for Community and Society Transformation (ICAST) played a vital role in connecting academic research with community-driven energy solutions. ICAST facilitated dialogue among representatives of tribal nations, federal partners, and energy innovators. "Through this annual collaboration, ICAST facilitates connections across Native Nations and other communities with basic and translational research at OU," said Shane Connelly, Director of ICAST and George Lynn Cross Research Professor in Psychology. "Our university is a national leader in energy innovation, and these collaborations are vitally important for the energy future of Oklahoma and its Native Nations."

A Learning Experience Beyond the Conference Room

The symposium also provided valuable hands-on experience for students from OU's nationally top-ranked Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication. Students documented the event through photos, videos, and participant interviews, helping to share information about the symposium with communities across campus and throughout Oklahoma.

Building More Than Energy

What resonated most throughout the symposium was a theme larger than technology, funding, or policy: building energy sovereignty is inseparable from building Native sovereignty itself. Energy projects are not just infrastructure investments — they are acts of self-determination, resilience, and cultural preservation."This is about more than powering homes or businesses," Chairman Gonzalez said earlier in the day. "It's about powering our future as Native nations." The symposium continues with research-focused sessions and collaboration opportunities, but even on its first day, the message was clear: Native nations are not waiting for permission to lead the energy transition. We are already leading it.