The Mountain & Plains ERC is proud to support a collaborative effort between Earl Dotter, Cindy Becnel, and four tribal communities that documents how these four sovereign nations develop energy resources (conventional, renewable, alternative), create jobs and ensure worker safety. It also honors tribal beliefs and initiatives that guide those communities towards tribal sustainability while “Holding Mother Earth Sacred.”
We are actively recruiting hosts for the exhibit. If your organization or any organization you work with has an interest in having the exhibit come to you, please don't hesitate to contact Ken Scott, the Mountain & Plains ERC Outreach Director.
The exhibit documents the following stories in photo and written word:
On the Southern Ute Indian Tribe reservation in southwest Colorado, the vision of the tribe for natural resource development and long-term sustainability takes into consideration the impact decisions will have on the next seven generations. One significant example of this vision is a joint venture between Southern Ute Alternative Energy and Solix Biofuels, where carbon dioxide generated by one of the tribe’s natural gas gathering plants will be used (along with ever-present sunlight) to produce algae oil, a transportation bio-fuel.
Lakota: On the Pine Ridge reservation in South Dakota, Lakota Solar Enterprises (LSE) creates jobs and addresses energy needs by manufacturing and installing solar heating systems and small wind turbines for rural residential homes in their tribal communities. In addition, the Red Cloud Renewable Energy Center, established by LSE in partnership with the Trees, Water, and People organization, provides workshop and certification training for tribal members across Indian Country who will bring this knowledge and expertise back to their communities.
Dine': In Arizona and New Mexico, Dine' (Navajo) communities continue to address the legacy of uranium mining while transitioning towards and returning to renewable energy work. In July of 2009, the Navajo Nation Council became the first Nation to initiate legislation for creating green jobs, voting 62-1 to pass the Navajo Green Commission Act.
Wings of Change: In Winnipeg,
Manitoba, the Wings of Change process,“Building Cultural Bridges” is
helping to enhance worker health and safety by using cultural teachings.
With guidance from community Aboriginal elders, this process was
founded on combining their “7 Sacred Teachings” with the Canadian
government’s mandated “3 Workers’ Rights”. This process highlights the
importance of including cross-cultural practices in addressing health
and safety not only in their workplaces, but also in their communities.
Click here to view the HMES photostream.
