HOLLYWOOD – Officials at the Native Learning Center (NLC) in Hollywood have been putting the final touches on its annual energy conference scheduled to take place in February.

The “Renewable Energy and Sustainability Conference” takes place from Feb. 7 to Feb. 9 at the NLC. Last year’s conference took place in a virtual format due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This year the conference will be in-person with a virtual option.

Returning keynote speakers include Lizana Pierce and Thomas Jones with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs. Pierce is a deployment supervisor and Jones (Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma) is a deployment specialist. 

The conference, now in its fifth year, focuses on the changing landscapes of tribal energy development and sustainability. It gives attendees a chance to explore a range of renewable energy and sustainability opportunities. In addition to keynote speakers, there are presentations from members of Native American tribes and First Nations, as well as those representing tribal organizations and private industry.

The free conference attracts attendees from across Indian Country – whether tribal members or those working for tribes – who share up-to-date information and best practices on sustainability, energy security and energy sovereignty issues.

The conference is scheduled to dovetail with one of the tribe’s signature events – the 50th annual Seminole Tribal Fair & Pow Wow from Feb. 10 to Feb. 12. It was cancelled last year due to concerns about the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Tribal Fair & Pow Wow attracts thousands of people across Florida and the U.S. to the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood for live music, dancing, drumming, food, arts and crafts and other activities.

The NLC is located at 6363 Taft Street. To register for the conference, click here.

For more information about the Tribal Fair & Pow Wow, click here.