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You Are Cordially Invited to Our Solar Boat Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.
- Sarah LittleRedfeather
- Aug 23
- 3 min read
Happening Monday, August 24th.
Native Sun and Enterprise Energy to Launch Solar-Powered Educational Boat at Bde Maka Ska.
You Are Cordially Invited
Powered by the Sun. Guided by Tradition.
Native Sun Community Power Development, Enterprise Energy, and Solstar invite you to the exclusive ribbon-cutting ceremony of our revolutionary custom-built solar electric boat, built in Minnetonka at Bde Maka Ska on Monday, August 24th, 2026.
This milestone event marks a proud moment for Minnesota, showcasing how clean energy innovation and Indigenous culture can join forces to inspire future generations.
Weaving a deep, enduring relationship with the land alongside visionary clean technology, this vessel transforms a shared dream into a tangible reality. It tells an inspiring story of sun, water, and human dedication coming together to heal, honor, and protect the waterways we call home.
A Design Rooted in Sun, Water and Culture
Designed as a hands-on platform for clean energy education, cultural connection, and community access, the vessel features stunning artwork by Anishinaabe artist Sarah Miskwaa-ens Migiziwigwan (LittleRedfeather) Kalmanson. Her design centers on Mishibizhiw, the powerful underwater manitou (spirit), bridging a story of energy, water, and our relationship with Mother Earth and our Nibi (water).
Moving forward, the boat will offer free environmental and cultural programming for youth.
“Ambe, bimiskaadaa!” – Come on, let’s ride/paddle along!
Join us to discover the future of clean maritime transit born right here in Minnesota, and witness how collaborative leadership is redefining water travel.
What to Expect
*The Partnership Story: Discover how three distinct organizations united to make this breakthrough possible.
*Revolutionary Tech Tour: Inspect the innovative solar array and next-generation electric propulsion system.
*Live Demonstration: See the vessel cut through the water using 100% clean solar energy, and take a ride.
*Refreshments: Catering of light snacks and beverages provided by Pimento.
NOTE: If you are unable to attend this ribbon-cutting event, it will be showcased at the Minnesota State Fair’s Eco Experience exhibit.
Event Details
Date: Monday, August 24th
Time: Reception begins from 4 PM to 7 PM
Location: The Waterfront Pavilion
Adjacent to Pimento Restaurant at Bde Maka Ska.
RSVP: Please click on the link below to RSVP
NEWS
Native-led nonprofit will unveil new electric vessel August 24 before showcasing it at the Minnesota State Fair’s Eco Experience.
Native Sun Community Power Development will unveil a new solar-powered educational boat Monday, August 24, during a press event at Bde Maka Ska in Minneapolis. Designed as a hands-on platform for clean energy education, cultural connection, and community access to Minnesota’s waterways, the vessel will later be displayed at the Minnesota State Fair, outside the Eco Experience.
The boat is owned by Native Sun, a Minneapolis-based Native-led nonprofit focused on expanding opportunity through clean energy, education, and community engagement. Enterprise Energy, a Minneapolis-based clean energy company recently ranked the fastest-growing company in Minnesota on the 2026 Inc. 5000, supported the project through its ongoing partnership with Native Sun.
Native Sun purchased the solar-powered boat using proceeds from the organization's clean energy workforce development partnership, transforming that work into a new resource for youth, families, and communities across Minnesota.
Built by Minnetonka-based manufacturer Nomadic, the vessel is equipped with a 400-watt solar array, a 10-kilowatt-hour battery, and a 1-kilowatt-max electric motor. The system integrates solar generation, battery storage, and electric propulsion together in a working vessel that participants can see and experience firsthand.
Native Sun plans to use the boat to provide free rides and educational experiences for Indigenous youth and other underserved young people. Programming aboard the vessel will introduce participants to clean energy technology, electric transportation and career pathways while creating space to learn about Indigenous culture and the history and significance of Minnesota’s lakes and waterways.
The project builds on a broader partnership between Native Sun and Enterprise Energy focused on creating pathways into the clean energy industry for people and communities that have historically had less access to opportunities within the sector.
In Partnership
About Native Sun Community Power Development
Native Sun Community Power Development is a Minneapolis-based, Native-led nonprofit working to expand opportunity through clean energy, education, workforce development and community engagement. Its work connects Indigenous communities and other historically underserved populations with emerging technologies, career pathways and culturally grounded educational experiences.
About Enterprise Energy
Enterprise Energy is a Minneapolis-based, Minnesota-owned clean energy company developing solar and battery storage projects across the United States. The company works with communities, landowners, and industry partners to expand participation in the clean energy economy and create new opportunities within the growing energy sector.
Native Sun Community Power Development
Contact us if you have any questions.
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