As a Native American tribal elder, storyteller, and activist, my perspective on renewable energy and environmental stewardship is deeply rooted in the teachings of my people – a people who have lived sustainably with the land for generations. Our relationship with the environment is sacred, and it’s a relationship that the current capitalistic system has gravely disrupted.
Over the past six months, I’ve been invited to participate in numerous conferences and discussions about sustainability. Through these engagements, I’ve come to a sobering realization: our current capitalistic model is simply not sustainable. We’ve developed this mentality that we can take land, extract resources, deplete, and even destroy it – all in the name of short-term profits. But what is the true cost of this approach, and who will bear the burden?
It’s time we start putting a price on the things we’ve failed to account for thus far. Let’s put a dollar value on the air pollution, the increased traffic, and the water depletion that these development projects will cause. If the price tag for future generations is too high, then perhaps that development isn’t such a good idea after all.
Embracing Indigenous Wisdom and Community Stewardship
The Iroquois Nation leadership, for example, has a practice of never making any decisions without considering the impact it will have on the next seven generations. Can you imagine the implications if all of our leaders were governed by that principle? We may finally start to see a future that prioritizes sustainability and the health of our planet over short-term profits.
There’s an old Native American proverb that says, “We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.” What kind of world are we leaving for the next generation? By embracing the principles of community stewardship and sustainability that are inherent in Indigenous cultures, we can pave the way for a more harmonious future.
Braiding Indigenous Knowledge and Scientific Innovation
Scientists are finally starting to discover what tribal elders have been teaching for generations: we are all connected. Politicians are also beginning to understand what the Iroquois already knew – that we must govern for the benefit of future generations, not just ourselves.
This shift in thinking is crucial. We cannot sacrifice our children and grandchildren’s future for the sake of short-term gains. There is not enough science in the world to overcome our selfish behaviors. We are in the midst of a massive paradigm shift, and now is the time to braid together Indigenous knowledge and values about our stewardship with cutting-edge science and innovation to create policies that protect our water, our environment, and our climate for the foreseeable future.
This collaborative approach recognizes the importance of both knowledge systems. When we assume that scientific knowledge is superior to Indigenous wisdom, we make collaboration impossible. It’s time to acknowledge that these two knowledge systems can and should work in harmony to address the pressing environmental challenges we face.
Lessons from the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe
The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe in South Dakota found themselves in an environmental crisis almost 10 years ago. This movement was the largest gathering of Indigenous peoples and allies in over a century. A central theme that motivated tens of thousands of people to participate was Mni wichoni, or “Water is Life.”
This phrase encapsulates the sacred obligation we have to protect the water that nourishes all of us. The growth and prosperity promised by an oil pipeline was not worth sacrificing this fundamental duty. Some fossil fuels are inevitable, and will be needed until other forms of green energy are developed, but by investing in green infrastructure, promoting renewable energy, and implementing water conservation measures, we can protect our environment and ensure that our community thrives without sacrificing our natural and cultural resources.
These solutions honor the earth and preserve it for future generations, fostering a legacy of environmental stewardship and justice.
Renewable Energy and the Future of Our Communities
The proposed Inland Port and the continued pursuit of the Bear River Development in my region not only threaten to pollute our air and congest our streets, but they also risk depleting the precious water resources needed to sustain the Great Salt Lake. This is a prime example of the short-sighted thinking that has plagued our society for far too long.
We must shift our priorities and invest in green infrastructure, promote renewable energy, and implement water conservation measures to protect our environment and ensure that our community thrives without sacrificing our natural and cultural resources. By embracing the principles of community stewardship and sustainability, we can create a more harmonious future that honors the earth and preserves it for generations to come.
Renewable Energy Solutions and the Path Forward
As I reflect on the lessons learned from the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and the environmental challenges facing my own community, I’m reminded of the power of collaboration and the importance of braiding Indigenous knowledge and scientific innovation.
One possible solution that holds great promise is the Firewinder – a renewable energy technology that harnesses the power of wind and solar to generate clean, sustainable electricity. This innovative approach not only reduces our reliance on fossil fuels but also aligns with the principles of community stewardship and environmental preservation that are so crucial to my people.
By embracing solutions like the Firewinder and other renewable energy technologies, we can take meaningful steps toward a future where we borrow the Earth from our children, rather than leaving them with a depleted and damaged planet. It’s time to change the narrative and put the health of our communities and the wellbeing of future generations at the forefront of our decision-making.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
The path forward may not be easy, but it is necessary. We must be willing to challenge the status quo, to think differently, and to make tough decisions. By embracing the teachings of our Indigenous elders and combining them with the latest scientific advancements, we can create a future that is truly sustainable and just.
I urge you to join me in this journey. Explore the Firewinder and other renewable energy solutions. Engage with your local communities and leaders to advocate for policies that prioritize environmental stewardship and community wellbeing. Together, we can create a legacy of sustainability and protection that will resonate for generations to come.
The time for action is now. Let’s braid our knowledge, our values, and our determination to build a better world – one that honors the earth, respects our shared resources, and ensures a brighter future for all.