YAN Leadership Joins Tribal Energy Discussions at the Arizona State Capitol

Yavapai-Apache Nation Chairman Buddy Rocha Jr. and Vice Chairman Charlie Baca IV
joined Tribal leaders from across Arizona on September 22 for the 2026 Arizona
Tribal Energy Summit & Workshop at the Arizona State Capitol.

Organized by the Arizona Governor’s Office on Tribal Relations and Governor’s
Office of Resiliency, the day-long summit brought Tribal leaders together with
state officials, energy professionals and partner organizations to discuss
community resilience, energy planning and development, and resources available
to support Tribal energy priorities.

Discussions throughout the day explored the connection between energy and
broader community resilience, including emergency preparedness, infrastructure,
project development, and access to funding and technical assistance.

That broader view of energy extended beyond individual projects to the systems
communities rely on every day. Reliable power and infrastructure can affect the
ability to maintain essential services, respond during emergencies, and support
long-term development. For rural and Tribal communities, speakers also emphasized
that planning must account for differences in geography, existing infrastructure,
available resources, and community priorities.

The summit also looked at resources available to help Tribal communities
move energy priorities forward. Discussions included funding, financing
and technical assistance, as well as support for energy planning and
project development. Speakers emphasized the importance of matching
available resources with locally identified needs while recognizing that
each Tribal Nation has its own needs and priorities.

Chairman Rocha and Vice Chairman Baca contributed to discussions during the
summit and engaged with Tribal leaders and representatives from across Arizona.
Beyond the formal presentations, the gathering provided opportunities for
leaders to exchange experiences, discuss shared challenges and connect directly
with state officials and professionals working in the energy field.

Those interactions reflected another theme of the summit: Tribal communities
may encounter similar issues, but each Nation brings its own circumstances and
priorities to the conversation. Bringing leaders together created space to share
approaches while maintaining the individual voice and decision-making of each
Tribal Nation.

The summit also focused on continued engagement between Tribal Nations
and the State of Arizona. Participants discussed the value of hearing
directly from Tribal communities, gathering feedback and maintaining
relationships as energy programs, resources and partnerships continue
to develop.

The day concluded with a closed discussion between Tribal and state officials.
Chairman Rocha and Vice Chairman Baca joined other Tribal leaders for the
session, providing an opportunity for direct Tribal-State dialogue following
the day’s broader presentations and discussions.

For the Yavapai-Apache Nation, the summit provided both information on emerging
energy resources and opportunities and a forum for leadership to remain directly
engaged with Tribal and state partners on issues involving infrastructure,
resilience and the Nation’s long-term energy priorities.