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2024 November Newsletter
Celebrating Native American Heritage Month:
Honoring Tradition and Progress
As we enter November, we join the nation in celebrating Native American Heritage Month—a time to recognize and honor the rich history, culture, and contributions of Native American communities. At GRID Alternatives National Tribal Program, we are proud to support and uplift Indigenous voices, highlighting the importance of sustainable practices that honor ancestral wisdom and foster a brighter future.
A Legacy of Resilience and Innovation
Native American tribes have long been stewards of the land, embodying sustainable practices that have ensured the health of our ecosystems for generations. This month, we celebrate the resilience and innovation of Native peoples, who have not only preserved their cultural heritage but also adapted to the challenges of modern society. Their deep understanding of the environment is critical as we work together to combat climate change and transition to renewable energy sources.
Bridging Traditions and Modern Solutions
At GRID Alternatives, we believe in the power of collaboration. Our National Tribal Program actively engages with Indigenous communities to promote solar energy and other renewable technologies. By integrating traditional knowledge with modern solutions, we can create energy independence and resilience within these communities. This month, we spotlight our ongoing projects that empower tribes through solar installations, workforce development, and community engagement.
Celebrating Cultural Contributions
Throughout November, we encourage everyone to participate in local events and educational opportunities that celebrate Native American culture. From art exhibitions and storytelling sessions to workshops on traditional ecological knowledge, there are countless ways to engage with and learn from Indigenous communities. We also invite you to share your stories and experiences related to Native American heritage on social media, using the hashtag #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth.
Looking Ahead
As we honor the past, let’s also look to the future. The commitment to renewable energy can significantly impact Native communities, providing clean, affordable power while honoring their relationship with the land. Together, we can continue to advocate for sustainable practices that respect Indigenous traditions and promote social equity.
This Native American Heritage Month, let us celebrate the enduring spirit of Native peoples and commit to supporting their rights, sovereignty, and environmental stewardship. We invite you to join us in recognizing their invaluable contributions and working together toward a sustainable and inclusive future.
Happy Native American Heritage Month from all of us at GRID Alternatives National Tribal Program!
ANNOUNCING THE 2024 GRANTEES AND FELLOWS
In celebration of Native American Heritage Month, GRID Alternatives National Tribal Program is proud to honor the rich traditions and contributions of Native American communities. This November, we are excited to announce the newest recipients of our Tribal Grant programs as well as this year’s cohort of Tribal Energy Innovators Fellows, aimed at empowering Indigenous communities through renewable energy initiatives.
Native American Heritage Month is a time to reflect on the resilience, culture, and achievements of Native peoples across the country. At GRID Alternatives, we recognize the importance of integrating traditional knowledge with modern sustainable practices. This commitment is reflected in our latest initiatives, which seek to create energy independence and foster environmental stewardship in tribal communities.
Introducing Our New Tribal Grantees
We are pleased to announce the selection of 24 new Tribal Grantees for the 2024 funding cycle. These projects will support a range of initiatives focused on solar energy deployment, community education, and workforce development. The selected tribes include:
2024-2025 Facility-Residential Grantees
Dry Creek Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians
Three Affiliated Tribes
Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians
Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin
San Ildefonso Services LLC
Shoshone-Bannock Tribes
Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma
Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation
Chemehuevi Indian Tribe
Hopland Band of Pomo Indians
Shoshone Paiute Tribes
2024-2026 Capacity Building Grantees
Pueblo of Santa Ana/Tamaya Wellness Center
Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida
Cheyenne and Arapaho Housing Authority
Sovereign Energy
Pit River Tribal Housing Board
The Guidiville Rancheria of California
The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs
Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe
KIPI Radio
2024-2025 GAP Fund Grantees
Toiyabe Indian Health Project, Inc.
Akiing 8th Fire
2024-2025 Energy Planning Grantees
Pit River Tribe
Passamaquoddy Tribe at Pleasant Point
Tribal Energy Innovators Fellowship
In addition, we are thrilled to announce this year’s recipients of the Tribal Energy Innovators Fellowship, which aims to cultivate the next generation of Indigenous leaders in renewable energy. This fellowship will support five fellows from various tribes, providing them with hands-on experience, mentorship, and training in energy project development and implementation. The 2024 Fellows are:
Fawn Sharp
Quinault Nation
Jasmine Lamb Passamaquoddy Tribe at Pleasant Point
Josiah Jacobs
Pit River Tribe
Kenneth Pete, Jr.
Duck Valley Indian Reservation
Saxon Metzger
Osage
2ND ANNUAL TRIBAL SUSTAINABILITY SUMMIT HELD IN DENVER
The 2nd Annual Tribal Sustainability Summit, held in Denver, Colorado, on September 23-24, 2024, brought together tribal leaders, sustainability experts, and stakeholders focused on advancing renewable energy and sustainable practices in tribal communities. Hosted by GRID Alternatives National Tribal Program and the Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund, the summit featured workshops, panels, and networking opportunities aimed at sharing knowledge, strategies, and resources for enhancing energy independence and resilience.
Key topics included the integration of solar energy solutions, funding opportunities for sustainable projects, and the importance of tribal sovereignty in environmental decision-making. Participants also explored innovative technologies and collaborative approaches to address climate challenges. The summit emphasized the critical role of tribal nations in leading sustainability efforts and fostered a spirit of cooperation and empowerment among attendees. Overall, the event highlighted successful initiatives and encouraged ongoing dialogue around sustainable development within Indigenous communities.
JOIN THE TRIBAL PROGRAM IMPACT CIRCLE
The National Tribal Program at GRID Alternatives is a tribal-led, tribal-focused program dedicated to building tribal renewable energy capacity! Our priorities to collaborate and partner with federally recognized tribes, tribal-led nonprofits serving tribes, and tribal members is key to understanding and responding to current and future opportunities for expanding the clean energy work happening across Indian Country.
We are asking you to join the Tribal Program Impact Circle by making a pledge of $84/month (or $1000+)
Everyone is welcome to join us on Thursday, November 14, from 4:00- PM (Pacific time) for the Tribal Program Impact Circle webinar and will include a message from special guest Alaqua Cox from Marvel's "Echo" series. We welcome all friends and relatives to join us for this wonderful event and to find out more about how the Impact Circle is helping Indian Country achieve net-zero goals. Questions? Contact 510-731-1185 or donations@gridalternatives.org
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