PNW OSSIA/WASEIA 2026

David has more than 30 years of experience in Indigenous governance, cultural preservation, and policy development. He is the CEO for Huurav Energy and executive officer and Tribal liaison for 7Skyline. David has led Tribal outreach efforts for utility-scale solar and energy storage projects with more than 50 Tribes throughout the Western United States, always with the same purpose: to ensure decision-making remains rooted in Tribal sovereignty, traditions, and collective strength with a focus on serving the people today and in future generations. David served as the development Tribal liaison for Navajo Power, PBC. A member of the Colorado River Indian Tribes, David was the first director of their Tribal Historic Preservation Office (THPO), establishing the office, developing its codes and ordinances, and securing $9 million in funding in its first year and $6 million in its second, ensuring long-term cultural preservation and governance autonomy. He co-authored Voices From the West: Findings from Interviews Regarding Energy on Tribal Lands with The Nature Conservancy, focusing on Indigenous stewardship and conservation efforts.   David is currently active in the campaign to protect the Chuckwalla National Monument, collaborating with stakeholders led by Former Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland. He authored the Proclamation for Chuckwalla, advocating for Indigenous land rights and protection of the sacred space. In 2024, he was one of 87 Indigenous leaders from 35 countries behind the Conference on Indigenous Peoples and the Just Transition, held alongside the 23rd Session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. In 2015, David partnered with the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) to develop reburial rights and cultural consultation protocols later adopted by NCAI. In 1987, he was appointed as a traditional spokesman for the Mohave people, a position he holds to this day. David was also a founding board member and chairman of Greenaction for Health and Environmental Justice and served on the board of the Betty Ford Center and as the chairman of the Colorado River branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People