The inaugural gathering at Standing Rock brought people together from across the country to share stories, honor changemakers, and build momentum for Indigenous sovereignty.
Ten years after the NoDAPL movement brought global attention to Standing Rock, People of the Sun brought people together to share the stories of what has happened across Indian Country in the decade since.
Held September 16–18, 2026, the first annual gathering welcomed Tribal leaders, educators, artists, partners, and supporters from across the country. Through storytelling, conversation, and celebration, People of the Sun accomplished what it set out to do: create a platform for Indigenous communities to share their work, recognize the people making it possible, and inspire continued progress.
The stories reflected years of commitment to advancing energy sovereignty, strengthening food systems, training Native workers, and building infrastructure grounded in community priorities. Together, they showed how the spirit of Standing Rock continues through Indigenous leadership and action.
A Gathering Grounded in Storytelling
At its heart, People of the Sun was about making space for people to tell their own stories.
Across Indian Country, Native Nations and community leaders have been developing energy programs, creating career pathways, and pursuing greater control over the systems their communities depend on. The gathering connected people whose work is separated by geography but grounded in a shared commitment to sovereignty and the well-being of future generations.
People of the Sun also received support from actors, artists, and advocates including Gary Dourdan, Gary “Litefoot” Davis, Shailene Woodley, Mark Ruffalo, Frances Fisher, and Jane Fonda. Their support helped amplify the Indigenous voices and community stories at the center of the gathering.
Honoring the Leaders Moving Sovereignty Forward
A highlight was the inaugural People of the Sun Honors, recognizing Tribal Nations, Indigenous leaders, and educators whose work is strengthening Native communities.
“People of the Sun is about honoring the leadership already happening across Indian Country and helping build momentum for what comes next,” said Cody Two Bears, founder and CEO of Indigenized Energy. “Tribal communities are creating their own energy futures, training their own people, and building systems that strengthen sovereignty, resilience, and self-determination.”
Energy Sovereignty Champion Award
The Energy Sovereignty Champion Award honored three Tribal Nations: the Menominee Tribe of Wisconsin, Yakama Nation, and Blue Lake Rancheria.
The original intent was to select one recipient. But as their stories came forward, it became clear that their contributions were too different and too important to rank against one another. Each demonstrated a distinct path toward energy sovereignty, offering lessons for communities across Indian Country.
The Menominee Tribe of Wisconsin, represented by Darryl Pyawasay and Jaime Oshkeshequoam of Menominee Tribal Utilities, was recognized for its long-term vision, perseverance, and continued progress despite the loss of major federal funding. Its story underscored the importance of sustained community commitment to building an energy future on its own terms.
The Yakama Nation, represented by Guy Sanchey of Yakama Power, was honored for advancing utility control, strengthening infrastructure, and building internal capability. Its work demonstrated how investing in people and systems can give a Nation greater control over its energy future.
Blue Lake Rancheria, represented by Jason Ramos, Heidi Moore-Guynup, and Maia Cheli, was recognized for its early leadership in microgrids, resilience, and technical partnerships. Its experience demonstrated the community value of reliable power during emergencies.
Kristine Chan-Lazardo of Rocky Mountain Institute helped bring these stories forward and joined the award presentation and panel discussion. The conversation gave participants an opportunity to hear directly from the leaders behind the work, connecting recognition with shared learning.
Moccasins on the Ground: People of the Sun Leadership Award
The Moccasins on the Ground: People of the Sun Leadership Award honored Councilman Jameson Wilson of the Oneida Nation, recognizing his leadership, commitment to his community, and work advancing Indigenous sovereignty.
The honor celebrated the responsibility carried by emerging Indigenous leaders who are helping turn community priorities into progress. Wilson’s recognition reflected the gathering’s commitment to lifting up the people doing that work and helping shape the next decade of Indigenous leadership.
Chief Henry Red Cloud Solar Warrior Teaching Award
The Chief Henry Red Cloud Solar Warrior Teaching Award honored David Harper of Huarav Energy, whose classroom is often the Tribal Council room.
Harper’s path into this work came from seeing what can happen when energy development moves forward without enough understanding of Tribal land, culture, and community priorities. Through Huarav Energy, he helps Tribal leaders understand development, finance, and ownership so they can make informed decisions.
His work encourages leaders to ask essential questions: Who owns the project? Who benefits? What happens to the land? Where does the money go? How much value stays with the Tribe?
Named in honor of Chief Henry Red Cloud’s teaching legacy, the award recognized Harper’s role in equipping Tribal leaders with the knowledge to protect community priorities and exercise sovereignty.
Seeing Progress at Standing Rock
The gathering also provided an opportunity to see that progress firsthand through the unveiling of the first phase of the Wóžu Buffalo Sun Project.
With solar panels installed, the project reached an important milestone in an effort connecting renewable energy with buffalo restoration and food sovereignty at Standing Rock. Further barn upgrades are planned for the next phase.
The unveiling connected conversations about sovereignty with work taking shape in the community, showing how energy investments can support food systems, cultural priorities, and long-term resilience.
The success of the first People of the Sun gathering was reflected in the stories shared, the leaders honored, and the connections made among people working toward a shared future.
A decade after NoDAPL began, the gathering offered an opportunity to recognize what has grown from that moment and the many people who have continued doing the work.
Indigenized Energy extends its gratitude to the honorees, speakers, partners, supporters, and everyone who traveled to Standing Rock or contributed from afar. Together, they made the inaugural People of the Sun a meaningful celebration of Indigenous leadership and a foundation for the work ahead.