Warm Springs First-Ever Tribal Community Fair is a Resounding Success

Hosted by 7Skyline and Warm Springs Power & Water Enterprises, the event drew hundreds of community members who learned about and informed the Tribes’ energy future

Portland, Ore. – Warm Springs Power & Water Enterprises, in partnership with 7Skyline, hosted the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs’ first-ever Tribal Community Energy Fair on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, on the Warm Springs Reservation at the Campus Pavilion. This free public event brought together Tribal members, energy professionals, and community leaders to share tools and opportunities in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and climate resilience.

The Fair highlighted local energy projects and the future of energy for the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. The event was part of the 7Skyline Power Up Tribal Energy Series, a growing grassroots effort to bring trusted, culturally grounded energy education and technical resources directly to Tribal communities, bridging traditional values with energy solutions and empowering community members with tools.

 

“This event creates a one-stop shop to answer questions and help members follow up on what matters to them, whether that is on an individual level or community projects like the transmission line upgrade,” said Cathy Ehli, Warm Springs Power & Water Enterprises.

Energy Fair focused on connecting the Warm Springs community with hands-on information on topics ranging from solar programs and appliance upgrades to workforce development and careers in the energy sector. More than 150 families were in attendance, and had the opportunity to ask questions, connect with organizations, and learn about individual- and community-level solutions.

The 40 exhibitors offered their expertise in everything from renewable energy technologies to funding pathways. Exhibitors included Warm Springs programs/departments, utility partners, local community colleges, and other organizations committed to supporting Tribal sovereignty and the reservation’s energy resilience.

“A big thank you to the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, Warm Springs Power & Water Enterprises, the Branch of Natural Resources, and the Warm Springs community for making this event a success. It was a day full of opportunities to share ideas about the Tribes’ energy future and learn about the technologies that will help power it,” said Jennifer Rouda, founder and principal of 7Skyline.

The Energy Fair reflected a strong sense of community, with moments of care and respect shown toward community members and elders throughout the day. Food was provided by Twisted Teepee and Kalama’s Fry Bread. The first 100 attendees received five-gallon buckets packed with energy saving tools, donated by Ace Hardware in Madras. There was a raffle featuring e-bikes, a portable backup power station with solar panels, solar gear, solar-powered toy cars, 7Skyline backpacks and swag, swim passes donated by the Kah-Nee-Ta Hot Springs Resort, plant-based gifts, and home energy efficiency items. Exhibitors joined the community spirit by offering items like bandanas, keychains, water and soda beverages, and huckleberry cookies made by a local baker.

“We have a great relationship with 7Skyline, who has helped us with a variety of things, from grant writing and energy strategy to environmental planning. They've worked with Tribes across the country, and have supported Power & Water Enterprises since 2017,” said Ehli. “Their awareness of programs and funding opportunities, and their commitment to Tribal energy sovereignty, made them a valuable partner in putting this Energy Fair together.”

7Skyline extends deep gratitude the exhibitors and to the event sponsors: Best Best & Krieger LLP, Bright Night Power, Energy Trust of Oregon, Energy West, HP Inc., Mayfield Renewables, MN8 Energy, Navajo Power, Oregon Department of Energy, Pacific Power, Portland General Electric, Red Cloud Renewable, Red Plains Professional, Inc., Wasco Electric Cooperative, and ZGlobal.