When we respect what it (the Earth) gives us, we take better care of it—and ourselves.
by Kelsey Radmilovic
A table adorned with a spread of wild-foraged ingredients transformed into modern recipes set the stage for this year's annual GRID staff retreat, where a circle of staff from the Bay Area and North Coast offices gathered, fully engaged in a workshop that bridged past and present. At the center of the circle stood Lois Fluke, sharing her knowledge of the Indigenous history of the region and the vital role of native plants in food and medicine. Lois encouraged everyone to taste, learn, and reconnect with the land. “Our relationship with the earth is everything,” she shared. “When we respect what it gives us, we take better care of it—and ourselves.”
Lois’ Journey to Solar
I first met Lois three years ago when I helped her apply for a GRID solar system. Sitting in her home, I noticed baskets filled with acorns. Curious, I asked about them, and she graciously shared her passion for Indigenous food traditions, especially the role of acorns in Native diets. A member of the Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo Indians, Lois has spent years teaching about the power of traditional foods and holistic health.
Lois grew up on a farm in Willits with a non-Native parent, she hadn’t been immersed in Indigenous culture as a child. She later sought out this knowledge on her own as a teenager, eventually working for the USDA before transitioning to a role with her Tribe. Eventually was introduced to holistic nutrition, an area that sparked her passion. “I never thought I’d end up working with Indigenous food,” Lois reflected, remembering how much she had disliked canning as a child. But as she deepened her studies, Lois realized the importance of reintroducing traditional foods to her community, helping people unlearn the processed, sugar-laden diets they had become accustomed to. Living in a region where power shut-offs are common, having a sustainable energy source was invaluable. Beyond that, she appreciated GRID’s commitment to community engagement and education—values that aligned with her own.
As an Outreach Manager, I have the privilege of connecting with residents across this region, which spans over 10,000 square miles from north of the Bay Area to the remote corners of Northern California. This landscape is rugged and breathtaking, but it comes with challenges—frequent wildfires, power shut-offs, and economic and historical oppression that have shaped daily life for generations.
The BANC office is located in Willits, a small town with deep Indigenous roots. Our team works in partnership with Tribal communities across Upper Sonoma, Lake, Mendocino, and Humboldt Counties. While small, we are mighty, recently growing to seven construction staff (including our director) and two outreach and workforce development staff. Our mission is clear: to provide clean energy solutions that empower communities, ensuring access to solar power and battery backup systems that bring much-needed resilience to those who need it most.
A Relationship That Came Full Circle
A year after our first meeting, I found myself reflecting on that initial conversation, which led me to invite Lois to facilitate our staff workshop. It was a full-circle moment—a GRID client, now an educator to our team, sharing her wisdom and strengthening the very community that had also supported her. Her workshop was more than just a learning experience for GRID staff; it was a testament to the relationships we build through our work.
Lois’ passion for Indigenous education and sustainability has deepened my own understanding of the North Coast region. Through her, I have learned not just about wild plants and their uses but about resilience, adaptation, and the power of reconnecting with one’s roots.
Get Involved
GRID’s impact goes beyond installing solar panels. We foster relationships, empower communities, and support leaders like Lois who are making a difference.
Reach out to plan a corporate workday with your company, donate, or reach out to partner with us to develop community-driven sustainability efforts. Together, we can continue to build a future that honors tradition while embracing clean energy solutions. ncoffice@gridalternatives.org or kradmilovic@gridalternatives.org Call/Text (707)456-7732