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“In Native Country, we look at how actions that we’re taking today are going to affect seven generations ahead… To develop and elevate energy sovereignty.”

– Robert Blake, Native Sun Community Power Development

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Our Policy & Advocacy Work

Native Sun leads policy and advocacy efforts that put Tribal Nations at the center of clean energy and climate planning. Our work is grounded in Indigenous self-determination. We focus on shifting systems so Native communities have the authority, resources, and capacity to control their own energy futures.

We engage directly with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission and other regulatory bodies to influence how decisions are made. We advocate for equitable siting of infrastructure, Tribal control of microgrids, grid modernization, and access to public funding that supports Tribal priorities.

 

Our goal is to make sure state and federal policies reflect Indigenous values and practical realities.

We provide technical assistance to Tribes across the region.

We provide technical assistance to Tribes across the region. This includes energy planning, grant writing, budget development, compliance support, and workforce program design. We help build internal systems so Tribes can manage funding, implement projects, and grow their own clean energy and climate strategies on their own terms. Our team works directly with Tribal staff and leadership to support infrastructure that lasts beyond a single project or grant.

Workforce development is part of this strategy. We co-develop community-based training programs in solar, EV infrastructure, energy efficiency, and other green careers. These programs are built around local job opportunities and include support like transportation, housing, and mentorship to ensure full participation.

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Community Engagement

Community engagement is a core part of how we advocate. In 2024, we participated in more than 50 events, including EV demonstrations at powwows, energy education workshops, and climate adaptation sessions. We also presented at Tribal colleges, national conferences, and policy forums focused on environmental justice and energy access.

 

These efforts help inform communities, build relationships, and keep Native leadership visible in state and national conversations.

We engage in public presentations.

We use public speaking and media outreach to bring attention to Native-led energy work. Our team regularly presents at universities, Tribal gatherings, and government briefings.

 

Our work has been featured by MPR News, MotorWeek, Lakeland PBS, Marketplace, Yale Climate Connections, and Native News Online.

We do not engage in direct lobbying and comply fully with IRS regulations. Our streamlined systems and deep community ties make us a strong candidate for trust-based grant making and long-term partnership.

Our Programs

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1

Electric Nation

Our Electric Nation initiative brought together Tribal leaders, federal agencies, and environmental justice groups to co-create the first inter-Tribal EV charging network in the Upper Midwest.

 

What makes this project so powerful is how deeply embedded it is in daily community life.

2

8th Fire Solar

8th Fire Solar, our solar thermal social enterprise, is dedicated to reducing energy poverty in low-income households.

 

Through this partnership, we help Native families access solar thermal heating, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and lower household costs.

3

Workforce Development

Through our Workforce initiative, we train relatives for green careers that connect them to purpose, place, and long-term opportunity.

 

This includes hands-on learning in solar installation, EVSE, energy efficiency, and emerging technologies like geothermal systems and agrovoltaics.

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