NCN CEO Pete Upton Speaks on Native CDFI Network’s Role in Advancing Tribal Energy and Climate Initiatives

On August 21-23, 2024, Pete Upton, CEO of the Native CDFI Network (NCN), joined a distinguished panel at the Nation Building Conference in Lewiston, Idaho, focusing on Tribal Energy and Climate Initiatives. The panel was presented by Janet Poitra Deputy Executive Director, Nimiipuu Energy and Jesse Leighton, Executive Director of Nimiipuu Energy, and Chrystel Cornelius, CEO of Oweesta Corporation. The event brought together leaders from various sectors to discuss innovative approaches to energy and climate challenges in Native communities.

As part of his visit, Upton, along with Nimiipuu Fund Executive Director Jonelle Yearout, toured the Nez Perce Tribe’s solar project at the Clearwater Casino with Jesse Leighton. This hands-on experience provided Upton with valuable insights into the practical aspects of implementing large-scale renewable energy projects within Tribal communities. He emphasized the importance of partnerships and collaborative efforts in driving these initiatives forward, noting that the NCN’s role as one of EPA’s Clean Communities Investment Accelerator (CCIA) awardees is to provide the necessary financial infrastructure and support to ensure the success of these projects.