Impact Spotlight

Building proof of concept solar systems in five Native communities

Support for five tribal communities affected by federal funding cuts

Building Tribal energy sovereignty

About

Indigenized Energy (IE) is a Native-owned capacity building organization dedicated to promoting a native-led energy future. Through trust-based partnerships and innovative programming, they work directly with tribes to develop long-term energy visions and transformation plans that promote resilient and sustainable energy systems. IE’s education programs, direct mentoring, and renewable energy projects create career opportunities for tribal members, stimulate local economies, and promote tribal energy sovereignty across the US.

“Our people have struggled. Renewable energy is a source of hope for a new economy, and a better future for all.”

— Otto Braided Hair (Northern Cheyenne), Chair, Indigenized Energy Board

HF Partnership

In 2023, the Honnold Foundation partnered with Indigenized Energy to commission a microgrid to power the Cheyenne Tribes’ Bison management facility, including an electric fence and other supportive infrastructure.

Historically, the Cheyenne were nomadic, and would uproot their communities to follow with the movement of the herd. When the buffalo were purposefully exterminated during colonization, it also destroyed the primary engine of the Cheyenne’s economy, making them and other tribes dependent upon government services. Working alongside the Cheyenne to support the Buffalo management program has strengthened their tribal sovereignty by bolstering their capacity to manage and grow the Bison herd over time.

The Honnold Foundation is now launching a multi-year partnership with Indigenized Energy to build similar proof-of-concept solar installations across five Native Nations. Originally, these communities would have benefited from 150+ installations via Solar for All federal funding. However, in the wake of a federal spending freeze, the Honnold Foundation’s support will help get initial proof of concept projects off the ground, supporting workforce development and training opportunities so that Native-led installation teams can complete the full scope of the project when funding becomes available.