    The American Indian Studies Department
     and The College of Ethnic Studies
     at San Francisco State University presents

Statement of Purpose

Intro Statement of Purpose Program Logistics: (Registration, Accommodations, Etc.)

American Indian Studies Department
College of Ethnic Studies
San Francisco State University
1600 Holloway Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94132

AIS Department Office: (415) 338-1054
College Office: (415) 338-1693
University Admissions: (415) 338-3311

Comments to jmbarker@sfsu.edu

Rotating black-outs and questionable financial practices have made the energy crisis in California well-known. It has impacted virtually every aspect of California's legislative debates, economy, and development requirements and it continues to effect all aspects of debates over the immediacy of energy development needs and the long-term challenges for responsible use and conservation.

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What is not well-understood is how these issues impact California Indian tribes. What challenges do the tribes confront in meeting their current energy needs and in planning responsibly for the future? What kinds of partnerships with state agencies and among tribes are currently available and possible? What specific conservation plans have been working for tribes in California and neighboring states? What kinds of renewable energy options and rebates are available from the state of California and federal agencies? How can tribes become better self-sufficient in their energy use, development, and conservation plans?

The California Indian Energy Symposium will address both the legal and economic issues confronting California Indians in light of not only state policy and programs but the national energy crisis. It will offer a forum for discussion about and practical assistance in tribal energy development, including attention to what is already working for tribes and what specific programs can be more fully taken advantage of by tribes.

The symposium will include an overview of pertinent national and state energy law to provide tribes with the legal and regulatory framework that they need to understand the energy arena in both the US and California. The symposium will also include a review of specific California state programs and opportunities that are available to tribes for renewable energy, conservation, and upgrades. Several representatives from state agencies will be present to discuss these programs and share their expertise on the practical options and funding available to tribes to generate electricity, secure funding and rebates for responsible energy use, and develop alternative energy sources. The overall goal of the symposium is to provide a forum for open discussion of energy issues and concrete assistance to tribes on responsible energy and economic energy related development.