
- Details
- By Native News Online Staff
The White Earth Nation in northern Minnesota received $1.75 million to use energy storage to increase their solar power usage. The project will expand an existing solar array at Pine Point Elementary School and Community Center to help lower electricity costs and support White Earth’s goal to be energy independent.
U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN), a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, announced the award.
“Tribal Nations have always been leaders in environmental stewardship,” Smith said.. “This funding will help White Earth Tribal Nation continue building a more resilient and clean energy system for the Tribe.”
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Electricity selected three communities across the country to receive a total of $3.7 million in project development assistance under the Energy Storage for Social Equity Program.
The program successfully launched in March 2022 and selected 14 communities for similar projects that focused on providing a strategy for energy access and affordability, decarbonization, environmental impact, resilience, and social impact. The funding will promote an equitable clean energy transition, advance more affordable and reliable electricity, and support the Biden Administration’s Justice40 goals.
More Stories Like This
In Disgust, Michigan Tribes Back Away from Enbridge Line 5 TalksNew Bill to Recognize Legal Rights of All Water Bodies in New York State
Critical Gray Wolf Protections are Under Threat
NARF Launches The Headwaters Report for World Water Day
Seneca Nation Demands City of Olean to Stop Sewage Overflows into Allegheny River
Can we take a minute to talk about tribal sovereignty?
Our mission draws from the warrior spirit that has sustained Indigenous peoples for generations — the same spirit that drives us to stand guard over tribal rights through relentless investigation and fearless reporting.
Sovereignty isn't just a concept – it's the foundation of Native nations' right to govern, protect our lands, and preserve our cultures. Every story we publish strengthens tribal sovereignty.
Unlike mainstream media, we center Indigenous voices and report directly from Native communities. When we cover land rights, water protection, or tribal governance, we're not just sharing news – we're documenting our living history and defending our future.
Our journalism is powered by readers, not shareholders. If you believe in the importance of Native-led media in protecting tribal sovereignty, consider supporting our work today.