May 6, 2026
In collaboration with the Red Lake Nation and Seven Clans Casino, Native Sun and Plug In America welcome participants to learn about the electric transportation and renewable energy successes taking place across Red Lake.
The Freedom to Drive 2026 EV and renewable energy event will take place at the Seven Clans Casino in Red Lake, MN, on May 28 between 4:00 P.M. and 8:00 P.M. CT. The showcase will demonstrate how clean transportation and energy technologies are supporting the economy and sustainability of Native communities. It will also provide community members with information on affordable EV options that may be available to them.
Research shows that people living on Tribal land purchase a disproportionately larger amount gasoline compared to other gasoline users. Through Tribal leadership, this script is being flipped as Tribal Nations like Red Lake deploy more and more EVs, EV chargers, and clean energy. This can lead to more affordable and better performing transportation options, strengthen local economies, and help build energy and food sovereignty.
“Tribal communities are taking the driver’s seat on electric vehicles and renewable energy. Nowhere is this more evident than at Red Lake,” said Robert Blake, Executive Director of Native Sun. “The example being set here is rippling across Turtle Island as we move toward a Just Transition and expand opportunity for all Native people through these technologies and related services.”
At the Seven Clans Casino, there will be a diverse array of electric vehicles that the Red Lake Nation uses in its day-to-day operations including:
- Electric school buses that serve the Red Lake Independent School District
- Electric medium duty box trucks that transport buffalo and produce
- Electric pickup trucks and side-by-side vehicles that support agricultural operations
- Electric vans that help the Youth Shelter, Women’s Shelter, and Community Health Services transport their clients and patients
- E-bikes that Red Lake employees use to commute
Volunteers with EVs from nearby communities will also be joining the event to show the range of passenger vehicles and e-bikes that are available on the new and used market.
“Plug In America is proud to partner with Native Sun, in collaboration with the Red Lake Nation, to highlight how many Tribal communities are leading the way in clean transportation and energy,” said Kat Urquhart Dunican, Senior Director of Programs and Program Development at Plug In America. “What’s happening at Red Lake is a powerful example of how electric vehicles and renewable energy can work together to reduce costs, expand access, and strengthen community resilience. We’re honored to support and help share these models with communities across the country.”
Renewable energy technologies will be showcased at the event along with job and academic opportunities within the clean transportation and energy sectors. Information booths in the Seven Clans Casino’s main meeting room and in the parking lot will include:
- Solar thermal panels being deployed in Native communities by 8th Fire Solar
- Jobs in the fields of EV charging and solar panel installation
- Nearby academic opportunities in sustainable fields for Native students
- The solar power and electric school buses used by Red Lake’s high school
- A mobile solar research training lab
- Renewable energy technologies being deployed
- Other Red Lake services that are important to the community
Seven Clans Casino and the Chairman for the Red Lake Nation will conduct a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Red Lake Nation’s first DC Fast charger. The ceremony will take place in the casino’s parking lot.
Light complementary food and beverages will be available to the community inside the casino. Additional food may be available for purchase outside as part of a school fundraiser. Transportation to the casino will be provided by the Red Lake Independent School District via electric school bus. Children’s activities including hands-on solar and EV projects will be available during the event, and a raffle for an e-bike will be held in the casino.
To learn more about this event visit Red Lake Nation Freedom to Drive 2026 on Native Sun’s event page. If you are interested in bringing your electric vehicle to the event, please contact Jessica Alvarado at Plug In America for more information. Please contact Peter Chipman at Native Sun for all other event information.
About Native Sun Community Power Development
Native Sun Community Power Development is a Native-led nonprofit based in Minneapolis partnering with Tribal Nations and rural communities across Turtle Island, with deep roots in Minnesota, the Upper Midwest, and the Pacific Northwest. We advance energy sovereignty, economic justice, and self-determination through clean energy and demonstration projects, energy efficiency and community-scale solutions, and clean transportation work including EV education, planning, and charging readiness. We build clean energy career pathways through workforce development that connects community members to training and employment. We invest in youth and community education that strengthens lasting local capacity.
Native Sun has worked directly with dozens of Tribal Nations to help install 55 charging stations covering 1,500 miles across ND, SD, and MN. This work has also supported the deployment of nearly 30 electric vehicles within Tribal communities. Learn more at www.nativesun.org
About Plug In America
Plug In America is the nation’s leading nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating the use of plug-in electric vehicles in the United States through education, advocacy and research. Formed in 2008, Plug In America provides practical, objective information to consumers and dealerships about EVs through various programs, including National Drive Electric Month, Drive Electric Earth Month, PlugStar.com, and other public outreach events. Learn more at PlugInAmerica.org
