November 14, 2024, Oakland, California – 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 and 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 various initiatives on solar energy deployment, community education, and workforce development. The selected tribes include:
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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 2024-2025 GAP Fund Grantees Toiyabe Indian Health Project, Inc. Akiing 8th Fire |
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 Energy Planning Grantees Pit River Tribe Passamaquoddy Tribe at Pleasant Point |
These initiatives aim to provide clean energy solutions, create job opportunities, and enhance community resilience.
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 hands-on experience, mentorship, and training in energy project development and implementation. The 2024 Fellows are:
- Saxon Metzger – Osage
- Fawn Sharp – Quinault Nation
- Jasmine Lamb - Passamaquoddy Tribe at Pleasant Point
- Kenneth Pete, Jr. – Duck Valley Indian Reservation
- Josiah Jacobs- Pit River Tribe
“The Tribal Energy Innovators Fellowship represents our commitment to nurturing Indigenous talent and fostering innovation in renewable energy,” said Angelica Wright, Tribal Workforce and Education Manager. “By empowering tribal leaders and community members, we are paving the way for sustainable energy solutions that honor the traditions and values of Native peoples.”
Join Us in Celebration
As we honor Native American Heritage Month, we invite everyone to engage with and learn from Indigenous communities. Celebrate their culture through local events, educational programs, and social media. Share your experiences and support Indigenous rights and sovereignty using the hashtag #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth.
For more information about the National Tribal Program Grant, Leadership, and other funding opportunities, please visit www.tribalsolar.org.
About GRID Alternatives
GRID Alternatives is a national leader in making clean, affordable solar power and solar jobs accessible to low-income communities and communities of color. Using a unique, people-first model, GRID develops and implements solar projects that serve qualifying households and affordable housing providers while providing hands-on job training. GRID has installed solar panels for more than 22,000 families and helped households and housing providers save $599 million in lifetime electricity costs while training over 32,000 people. GRID Alternatives has nine regional offices and affiliates serving California, Colorado, the mid-Atlantic region, and Tribal communities nationwide, and serves communities in Nicaragua, Nepal, and Mexico. For more information, visit www.gridalternatives.org.
About GRID Alternatives
GRID Alternatives is an international, U.S.-based 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that builds community-powered solutions to advance economic and environmental justice through renewable energy. GRID works in the U.S., Mexico, Nepal, and Nicaragua and has installed solar photovoltaic systems on more than 29,500 homes and affordable housing developments in underserved communities while providing more than 33,200 individuals with workforce development training. GRID also provides clean mobility solutions and battery storage and is a leading voice in low-income solar policy development in the U.S. Installation Basics Training (IBT), a competency-based certificate program designed to develop the skills most relevant to entry-level solar installation jobs and related construction employment fields. Trainees learn solar installation skills, OSHA 10 safety standards, first aid and CPR, and soft skills, including interpersonal communication and dependability, to help job trainees obtain and sustain employment.
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