The services CERT provides evolved in tandem with the development of Tribal capabilities and with the issues which confront Tribal goals. In the early years, CERT provided technical support for energy, geophysical and economic analysis. As basic capacities were transferred to the Tribes, CERT, under the direction of Tribal leadership, moved its attention to the changing North American energy markets; first restructuring the natural gas industry and now the introduction of competition in the electrical power markets. And because Tribal populations and economies are expanding at a rate much faster than that of other rural communities, CERT is now focusing on the internal domestic energy needs of Indian Tribes through its services.
Strategic Planning
CERT assists Tribes to create comprehensive Tribal energy visions, strategic and implementation plans according to unique Tribal values and resources. The process includes casting a broad net of inclusion from the Tribal community and administration and looking creatively at potential partnerships with, between, and amongst Tribes, government, and industry. Also essential in strategic planning is resource assessments, feasibility studies, and business planning.
Policy Advocacy
CERT is a focal point for developing Tribal consensus on national concerns, communicating Tribal views to government decision makers, engaging in dialogue on pertinent issues, and monitoring national initiatives. CERT policy and advocacy extends to energy, economic, environmental and educational interests of non-energy resource Tribes.
Technical Assistance
CERT technical assistance delivery and response is as diverse as the Tribal requests and needs. CERT and its alliance partners assist Tribes in virtually every stage and phase of development and capacity building.
Education
Education is mandated by the CERT Board of Directors as a mechanism by which future leadership is trained. The education program, started in 1979, aims to enhance opportunities for academic success. Three main offers of CERT’s education program are: the Tribal Resource Institute in Business, Engineering, and Science (TRIBES) summer program (held at the University of New Mexico) for recent high school graduates; internship program for current college students; and scholarship awards for college students who successfully complete either the TRIBES or internship program.
Capacity Building
CERT capacity building is both general and very specific, even customized, to meet the demands of Tribal developments.
Partnerships
CERT initiates and manages a number of corporate alliances with leaders from the industry sector. CERT also plays an important role of intermediary between and amongst Tribe to Tribe partnerships.
The Council of Energy Resource Tribes is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit corporation.
All contributions are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.
