By Daryl Sager, energy justice program associate, Fresh Energy

With the installation of its first solar panel on May 22, the Little Earth of United Tribes housing complex in Minneapolis marked the beginning of its new renewable energy future.

Fresh Energy, Little Earth of United Tribes, Honor The Earth, Rural Renewable Energy Alliance (RREAL), White Earth Land Recovery Project, Minnesota Green Communities, and Green For All collaborated on a two day renewable energy training, community celebration, and solar panel dedication.

Over 15 Native American community members took part in the two day event that began with an extensive course on renewable energy and conservation. The participants had a chance to learn firsthand from Winona LaDuke on the complex energy issues facing Indian Country. Participants also learned about the mechanics and physics of wind as well as the potential for wind power on Native lands from Bob Gough of the Intertribal Council on Utility Policy.

Daryl Sager from Fresh Energy teamed up with Jack Bethke of Minneapolis Community Action Programs and Mark McLaughlin from the Department of Commerce for a hands on demonstration of the importance of conservation and efficiency. The group had the opportunity to go into a vacant unit at Little Earth to witness a blower door test along with other important efficiency measures.

Most of the training about solar power was conducted by Jason Edens and BJ Allen of RREAL and John Shimek of the White Earth Land Recovery Project. This training focused on exploring solar electric, solar hot water, and solar heat in a practical setting. The cost and savings of solar power were also discussed.

On the second day, the group had a chance to meet Carl Nelson of the Green Institute, who provided a tour of the Institute’s green roof. Later that day, Ralph Jacobson of the Minnesota Renewable Energy Association provided a workshop on how the trailer makes and stores solar energy.

Once the training was finished, it was time to celebrate the dedication of the solar panel at Little Earth, which marked the first step in building a sustainable community powered by renewable energy. Indigenous food and music along with informational booths were all part of the celebration that was attended by over 100 Little Earth residents, community residents, and political leaders.

Van Jones, founder and president of Green For All, was the keynote speaker. Native leader Bill Means, who spoke about the importance of renewable energy, was joined by Winona LaDuke, Mayor Rybak, and Vice Chairman Crooks of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community. The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community provided support for the training and solar installation.

The event was a huge success. It brought residents of Little Earth who want renewable energy options now together with political leaders that will make this transition a little easier for everyone. This was the urban Indian community’s first step towards being a part of the new green economy, and it won’t be the last.

This entry was posted on Friday, May 30th, 2008 at 10:18 am by Fresh Energy and is filed under Energy. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.