No images? Click here FALL 2023TSAF Hosts Tribal Sustainability Summit in Denver(Members from GRID Alternatives pose for a group photo at the 2023 Tribal Sustainability Summit) In a significant step towards tribal sovereignty and sustainability, the Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund recently hosted the much-anticipated Tribal Sustainability Summit in Denver, Colorado. This summit served as a platform for tribal grantees, leadership program awardees and tribal leaders along with GRID Alternatives staff members to come together, exchange ideas, and gain valuable industry insight for sustainable development. With a focus on renewable energy, the summit aimed to serve as an end of year review for all attendees with an emphasis on tribal traditions and values. The event included attendees from all across Indian country who are passionate about environmental conservation and the empowerment of Indigenous communities. One of the highlights of the summit was the presence of two keynote speakers who have made significant contributions to the field of sustainability and renewable energy for tribes. Keynote Speakers: Suzanne Singer, co-founder of Native Renewables, graced the summit as the day 1 keynote speaker. Singer has become a prominent figure in the renewable energy sector, specifically advocating for the adoption of solar energy in tribal communities. Her organization, Native Renewables, focuses on bringing affordable and accessible solar energy solutions to indigenous households. During her keynote address, Singer shared her journey of bridging the gap between sustainable technology and traditional indigenous values. Her efforts have not only provided energy access to underserved communities but also empowered them to take control of their energy production and reduce their carbon footprint. Pilar Thomas, a renowned attorney and advocate for tribal sovereignty and environmental justice, served as the keynote speaker for day 2. With an extensive background in tribal and federal law, Thomas has been a strong voice for the rights of Indigenous peoples in matters related to natural resource management and sustainable development. Her insights during the summit revolved around the importance of legal frameworks that support tribal self-governance and stewardship of natural resources. Thomas emphasized the need for collaborative efforts between government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and tribal communities with a particular emphasis on the importance of advocacy and tribal/federal policy. Summit Highlights: The summit showcased a variety of discussions, workshops, and panels that covered topics ranging from renewable energy technologies and sustainable agriculture to cultural preservation and communications. Participants had the opportunity to learn about successful sustainability projects undertaken by various tribal communities, sparking inspiration and fostering a sense of unity. One key aspect of the summit was the emphasis on preserving indigenous knowledge and cultural heritage while pursuing sustainable development. Participants recognized that the unique perspective of indigenous communities can contribute valuable insights to global sustainability efforts. Moving Forward: The Tribal Sustainability Summit was not just a one-time event but rather a starting point for ongoing collaborations and initiatives. Attendees left the summit with a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to implementing the lessons and ideas shared during the event. The discussions and connections made are expected to pave the way for more partnerships, research endeavors, and community-driven projects that will contribute to a greener and more sustainable world for generations to come. As the summit came to a close, the organizers expressed their gratitude to all participants, sponsors, and speakers for their dedication to the cause of tribal sustainability. With the momentum generated by the summit, it is clear that the path toward a more sustainable future is not just within reach, but firmly within the grasp of those who are willing to work together and make a difference. TSAF Grant ProgramsDarrell Hill joins TSAF as the Sr. Program OfficerPlease welcome Darrell Hill who will be serving as the TSAF Senior Program Officer. Darrell Hill is an enrolled member and descendant of the Oneida and Menominee Nations of Wisconsin. He recently joined GRID Alternatives TSAF team as the Sr. Program Officer. Before joining GRID Alternatives, Darrell was the Chief Executive Officer of the Meskwaki Nation’s tribal corporation and business development with an emphasis on community, partnerships, and future sustainability. In this role, Darrell’s goals and objectives were to improve and revise the organizational structure, capital improvements, and overall strategic plan. Darrell’s educational background includes an associate degree in Business Management (MATC), a bachelor’s degree in Communications and a master’s degree in Education with a focus on Leadership from the University of Iowa (Go Hawks). Darrell currently resides in Iowa with his loving wife Grace, 3 awesome children, Jr., Jaymison, and Jaslynn and his fur relative Rocky (Cat). In his free time, you can catch Darrell enjoying the great outdoors traveling, camping, fishing, dancing and singing or just having a fun time with his family. Darrell is thankful for this new opportunity and looks forward to learning and growing with the organization. TSAF Leadership Programs2023 Tribal Energy Innovator Fellows AnnouncedMelanie (MJ) Anderson (Ojibwe) MJ Anderson is from the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe. She has spent the last three years working in renewable energy development with tribes in the midwest with Woven Energy Marissa Sisk (Creek) Marissa is a Graduate student at the UCSB Bren School for Environmental Science and Management where she specializes in Energy and Climate, as well as Corporate Environmental Management. As part of her graduate degree, she has co-founded Sunstone Energy, a clean energy microgrid developer that supports Indigenous communities with their energy needs. David Karabelnikoff (Knik) David Karabelnikoff is an accomplished entrepreneur and passionate advocate for sustainable development and renewable energy. As a proud member of the Alaska Native community, he possesses a profound understanding of the distinctive obstacles confronted by Alaska Native populations. Luke Tyree Luke Swampdog Tyree is a member of the Monacan Indian Nation. Formerly the Chairman of the Monacan Constitutional Committee, Former Monacan Tribal Councilmen, former and current traditional ecological knowledge and indigenous science practitioner. Dillon Shije KuWaTsi Hopah! My name is Dillon Shije, and I am a Councilman and Tribal Leader from the Pueblo of Zia in New Mexico. Currently, I serve as a Membership Liaison at the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI). I am also a Partner at Zia Impact, a consultancy focusing on Tribal Infrastructure and Economic Development, where I combine my expertise in advocacy and sustainable communities. TSAF Accepting Applications forScholarships and InternshipsThe Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund (TSAF) is now accepting applications for Scholarships and Internships for the Fall Term 2023. Applicants are encouraged to apply at the TSAF website www.tribalsolar.org. The deadline for applications is September 30, 2023. For more information please contact TSAF Tribal Education and Workforce Manager – Angelica Wright programs@tribalsolar.org Tribal College and University Scholarship SupportThe Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund Scholarship will be offering $5,000. These scholarships are designated for federally-recognized tribal members who are enrolled as a full time undergraduate or graduate student with a career interest in renewable energy. For full details and how to apply, please visit the following link: Tribal Solar Research InternshipThis unique internship opportunity will allow an intern to gain experience in many aspects of the non-profit solar industry. The intern will assist in developing research and literature reviews related to policy surrounding renewable energy and tribal communities. The TSAF is excited to share our mission, vision, and
goals through an internship by developing renewable energy-related communication skills, industry knowledge, and possible hands-on learning experiences. GRID National Tribal Program This summer, the GRID Tribal Program kicked off a project with the Spokane Indian Housing Authority to install 119 residential solar systems for low-income community members living on the Spokane Reservation. Six local community members were hired to work on the project and are gaining valuable training and hands-on experience. At the start of this project, the Tribal Program hired Dayne Goodheart as an Installation Trainer and Construction Manager. Dayne was introduced to GRID a few years ago when we first started working with the Spokane Indian Housing Authority. He is now working for GRID full-time and brings 7 plus years of construction, solar installation, and training experience to the Tribal Program. In May, the GRID Tribal Program partnered with Blackfeet Community College (BFCC) to develop and implement a two and a half week solar installation training program for students and local community members. Thirteen trainees participated, all who received stipends upon completion. The goal of the training was to give participants hands-on experience that is transferable to all aspects of the solar industry. Our trainers led solar installation workshops and provided all necessary equipment, such as personal protective equipment (PPE), hand and power tools, and mock installation equipment. Looking into the future, BFCC and GRID just submitted an application for a DOE grant to transition the campus to 100% renewable energy. If awarded, funding will be used to install a ground-mounted solar system to offset the college’s energy usage as well as support workforce development initiatives for students. Upcoming
Projects GRID Alternatives Tribal Program Represented at Shoshone-Bannock Festival in Fort Hall, IdahoComms Officer John Teller and Tribal Program Director Talia Martin at the 2023 Sho-Ban Festival The annual Shoshone-Bannock Festival was held this past August at the Fort Hall Indian reservation in Idaho. This year's celebration featured dancers, drums, rodeo contestants, Indian Relay horse racers, hand-gamers, and many more contestants and visitors from all across the United States and Canada. Two of GRID's staff members from the Tribal/TSAF programs, John Teller (Menominee/Oneida tribes) and Talia Martin (Shoshone-Bannock tribes), were represented at the festival. Teller served as one of the Master of Ceremonies and Martin served as a dance contest judge for the powwow portion of the weekend's festival of events which awarded over $100,000 in prize money. During the event, Teller made a special recognition of the work of GRID Alternatives and the impact being made in Indian Country through the efforts of Martin, who is an enrolled member of the Shoshone-Bannock tribe and local community member while also recognizing the GRID National Tribal Program as well as the grant making opportunities of the Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund. Teller also recognized the renewable energy efforts being put forward by the Shoshone-Bannock tribe and helping to lead the path toward energy sovereignty and resiliency for all tribes in the region. If you are interested in supporting the Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund Grant and Leadership programs please contact TSAF Managing Director Tanksi Clairmont or if you would like make a donation now, use the button below. |