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MEDIA ADVISORY
- Native Sun Media
- May 9
- 4 min read
Updated: May 11
MEDIA ADVISORY
Friday, May 8th, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Bob Blake, Executive Director | robert@nativesun.org
Visuals and Interviews: Members of the media are invited to capture visuals of the community event and renewable energy demonstrations. Available opportunities include interviews and photos of a significant ribbon-cutting ceremony with Chairman Darrell Seki of the Red Lake Nation, alongside an electric school bus and a display of more than 20 electric vehicles.
RED LAKE NATION’S “FREEDOM TO DRIVE” EVENT MAY 28 AT SEVEN CLANS CASINO RED LAKE WILL SHOWCASE ELECTRIC VEHICLES, EV CHARGING STATION, AND RENEWABLE ENERGY WORK HAPPENING IN RED LAKE.
From Spirit Horse to Electric Force: Honoring the Seven Generations
What: Red Lake Nation’s Freedom to Drive is an electric vehicle and renewable energy social event focused on clean transportation, EV charging, renewable energy, and local energy opportunities. The event will showcase electric transportation and renewable energy work happening across Red Lake, giving community members a chance to see electric vehicles up close, learn how EV charging works, ask questions about affordable clean transportation, and hear about renewable energy technologies being used or planned in the community.
The event will highlight how electric vehicles are already being used in Red Lake, including for food services, youth shelter services, community health services, agriculture, school transportation, and local operations.
A central part of the event will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Red Lake Nation Chairman Darrell Seki to celebrate the opening of the first public DC fast charger at Red Lake. The new fast charger at the Seven Clans Casino Red Lake marks an important step in Red Lake’s clean transportation work and expands local access to fast charging for community members, visitors, and future electric fleet use.
Native Sun Community Power Development will share information about clean transportation and renewable energy efforts connected to Red Lake, including EV charging, electric vehicles, workforce opportunities, and future clean energy planning. Plug In America will provide practical information on affordable access to electric vehicles, charging, cost savings, and common questions about EV ownership.
Throughout the event, attendees will have direct access to Native Sun’s team, Plug In America EV experts, and community partners who will be available to answer questions during and after the presentations.
More than 20 electric vehicles will be on display, including a Volkswagen ID. Buzz, Ford F-150 Lightning, Mustang Mach-E, electric school bus, electric side-by-side, and other electric vehicle models. Solar and renewable energy technologies will also be displayed at the event.
Information booths inside the casino will include resources on:
Jobs in EV charging, solar panel installation, and clean energy
Academic opportunities in sustainable fields for Native students
Solar power and electric school buses are used by Red Lake’s high school
A mobile solar training lab
Renewable energy technologies being deployed
Red Lake services and community resources
Light complimentary food and beverages will be available to attendees, and a school fundraiser will offer food for purchase. Transportation from Red Lake communities to the casino will be provided by Red Lake Independent School District using an electric school bus. Children’s activities, including hands-on solar and EV projects, will be available during the event.
Participants will have the chance to enter a raffle for a new e-bike and other prizes during the event (must be present to win). Attendees may also be invited to complete a brief community survey.
Who: Native Sun Community Power Development and Plug In America are sponsoring the event in collaboration with Red Lake Nation and Seven Clans Casinos.
When:
Thursday, May 28, 2026
4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Where:
Seven Clans Casino Red Lake
10200 MN-89
Red Lake, MN 56671
Why: Freedom to Drive: No Gas. All Spirit.
It is a Red Lake community event focused on clean transportation, renewable energy, and energy sovereignty. The event highlights work already underway in Red Lake, including electric vehicles used for community services, agriculture, school transportation, and local operations; the first public DC fast charger at Red Lake Nation; solar educational tools; and renewable energy planning for Red Lake’s future.
The event, themed "From Spirit Horse to Electric Force: Honoring the Seven Generations," reflects the commitment to long-term community well-being, local energy solutions, and responsibility to future generations. As electric vehicles, charging infrastructure, solar energy, and related technologies become more accessible, Red Lake is creating opportunities for education, workforce development, lower transportation costs, and stronger local energy planning.
Participants will learn about EVs, charging, renewable energy technologies, and clean energy career pathways connected to Red Lake. Attendees will also be able to view vehicles and technology on site, talk with Native Sun staff, Plug In America EV experts, and local partners, and learn more about how clean transportation and renewable energy can support community needs.
More Information:
About Native Sun Community Power Development
Native Sun Community Power Development is a Native-led nonprofit that partners with Tribal Nations and rural communities to advance energy sovereignty, economic justice, and self-determination. Native Sun works on clean transportation, EV education and charging readiness, renewable energy demonstration projects, energy efficiency, workforce development, and youth and community education.
Native Sun has worked directly with dozens of Tribal Nations to help install 55 charging stations across 1,500 miles in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota. This work has also supported the deployment of nearly 30 electric vehicles in Tribal communities. Visit us 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.
