The Department of Energy's (DOE) Native American Initiative Program is designed to help Tribes develop and manage their energy resources in an environmentally-sound manner by participating in joint exploration and production efforts with the oil industry.

This program is consistent with Presidential Directives to seek ways to empower Native American communities to prosper by encouraging tribal initiative and innovation. The goal is to enable Native Americans to develop and manage their mineral resources by providing them with access to the latest technological innovations. The effort is expected to return economic dividends to the tribes. At the same time, it helps to strengthen our country's energy security.

Through discussions with tribal decision-makers and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the DOE program identifies unique resources and experiences of individual tribes and responds to their needs. Research projects that address these needs by developing and demonstrating technologies are conducted in partnership with the tribes. The program encourages dialogue between tribes, industry, and researchers through face-to-face meetings and technology transfer workshops.