We are so lucky to have Lindsay Riggs join our team as our new Native American Outreach Coordinator! Based in the North Coast office, Lindsay is already playing a huge part in supporting the growth of our partnerships with Tribes and community organizations in the area! We'll let Lindsay introduce herself:
For all my fellow Diné (Navajo) and non- Diné friends and family:
Yá’át’ééh shí éí Lindsay Riggs yíníshyé’. Tódich'ii'nii nishłį́. 'Áshįįhi ‘éí bá shíshchíín. Dibéłzhíní ’éí dashicheii. Tótsohnii ’éí dashinálí. (Hello, my name is Lindsay Riggsand I am Bitter Water Clan born for the Salt Clan. My maternal grandfather is the Blacksheep Clan and my paternal grandfather is the Big Water Clan. I am originally from Chinle, AZ (on the Navajo Nation reservation).
Preferred pronouns?
She/her
How did you come to GRID?
I came to GRID Alternatives because I wanted to work for an organization that held and practiced values that were more closely aligned with my own values, especially towards the environment and living sustainably. I also wanted to be a part of the longer, relationship-building process with Native* communities and see the results of the work GRID does with solar (and electric vehicles). I don’t remember how or when I learned about GRID Alternatives, but I started following the work that was being done within the last year and a half; Of course, GRID does great work with all communities and it was the work with Native communities that I found most inspiring. I wanted to be a part of that.
What GRID Value most resonates with you?
All the GRID values are things that I believe in and the ones that resonate most with me are community, equity, and positive action. From my own lived experience I have seen the impacts of equity, or the lack thereof, particularly for Native people. I believe that with the right strategy and positive actions of community and partnerships, change can happen. GRID Alternatives is an example of positive action for change.
Favorite GRID moment?
My favorite GRID moment, or series of moments, thus far was participating in a solar re-install on the Manchester Rancheria (Pomo). It was a very windy day, but it was so beautiful outside, the views from the roof were great, and the drive to and from was also spectacular. The feeling of giving back to community was my favorite. The satisfaction of knowing that solar was benefiting the individual and other tribal members.
Fun fact about you?
A fun fact about me, in my personal opinion, is that one day I hope to have a small farm with a couple of pygmy goats, llamas, alpacas, cats, dogs, and chickens, and we all live happily ever after. The end.