fbpx
facebook app symbol  twitter  linkedin  instagram 1
 

On Wednesday, the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians became the first ever tribe to receive government approval for the creation of a Tribal Energy Development Organization (TEDO). The Department of the Interior’s Office for the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs’ approval of the Red Lake Band’s TEDO will support the Minnesota tribe’s ongoing effort to develop renewable energy resources. 

A TEDO is a business organization in which the tribe owns majority interest. It allows a tribe to enter into and manage energy-related leases, rights-of-way and business agreements without obtaining Secretarial approval for each individual lease, right-of-way or agreement, according to Wednesday’s Indian Affairs press release.

“The Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians is reclaiming its sovereign authority to control the development of energy resources,” said Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs Bryan Newland in the press release. “This is an exciting development that will lead to greater energy security for their people’s comfort and prosperity.” 

Want more Native News? Get the free daily newsletter today.

Red Lake submitted its application last December requesting Twenty-First Century Tribal Energy, Inc. be approved and certified as a TEDO.  Indian Affairs’ approval will allow Red Lake to forgo Secretarial review when it enters into a lease, business agreement or right-of-way with the TEDO.

More Stories Like This

Take Action Now to Support Tribal Water Sovereignty
Pawnee Nation: Elder’s Food Insecurity 2024 Allocation
Cherokee Nation, US Fish & Wildlife Service Premiere Red Wolf Documentary
‘More than 100 years of taking’ | Tribal Citizens in Wind River Plan Protest of Land Grab
Chickasaw Elders Tour the Historic Homeland

Can we take a minute to talk about tribal sovereignty?

Sovereignty isn't just a concept – it's the foundation of Native nations' right to govern, protect our lands, and preserve our cultures. Every story we publish strengthens tribal sovereignty.

Unlike mainstream media, we center Indigenous voices and report directly from Native communities. When we cover land rights, water protection, or tribal governance, we're not just sharing news – we're documenting our living history and defending our future.

Our journalism is powered by readers, not shareholders. If you believe in the importance of Native-led media in protecting tribal sovereignty, consider supporting our work today. 

Right now, your support goes twice as far. Thanks to a generous $35,000 matching fund, every dollar you give during December 2024 will be doubled to protect sovereignty and amplify Native voices.

No paywalls. No corporate owners. Just independent, Indigenous journalism.

About The Author
Author: Kelsey TurnerEmail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Kelsey Turner is a contributing writer for Native News Online and a graduate student at the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.