Indigenizing Renewable Energy Solutions : Giving Back to the Land Through Sustainable School Greenhouses

Ideological differences between Nations have proven a major hurdle in the implementation and adherence to global policies intended to address climate change. While it is true that the interconnectedness of our modern era causes the impacts of regional pollution, famine, and political unrest to spread all over the world, looking for a solution from the political architects, corporate leaders, and ruling nobility that have historically profited from the spread of colonial industry may not be the most effective strategy. Indigenizing energy involves putting the ownership, management, and spiritual vision for renewable energy projects into the hands of Indigenous Nations who hold cultural ties to specific regions. The assimilatory philosophy of western curriculum design should be acknowledged and investments towards a sustainable future should flow to the local youth that face climate uncertainties, rather than further the intentions of global energy landlords. A current proposal being pursued by members of the Blackfoot Confederacy involves a school greenhouse, powered by renewable energies such as wind, solar and ground based thermal. The site will be used to relay the importance of food and energy sovereignty to the students and their families, providing tangible cultural, nutritional, financial and academic benefits through the embodiment of “Supii-po’omaaksin”, or the spirit of planting seeds