Indigenized Energy was born out of the #NoDAPL movement in 2017, when Indigenous communities across the country stood together to protect land, water, and sovereignty. In those moments on the frontlines, one truth became unmistakable, Native Nations needed more than resistance. They needed real, lasting power over their own energy future.

From that spark, Indigenized Energy was founded as a Native-led organization committed to helping Tribal Nations reclaim control of their energy systems. What began as a response to injustice has grown into a long-term movement for energy sovereignty.

Where We Are Today

Today, we walk side by side with Tribal Nations across the Plains and beyond, helping them build renewable energy systems that reflect their values, strengthen their communities, and restore balance to the land.

Our work focuses on four core pillars:

Empowering: Giving Tribal communities the tools, knowledge, and confidence to lead their own energy future.

Funding: Working with each Tribe to secure the resources needed to bring solar projects to life.

Training: Building a Native solar workforce so that jobs, skills, and opportunity stay in the community.

Sustaining: Ensuring every solar system we install can be maintained and cared for generations.

This model works because it is built on trust, partnership, and a deep respect for sovereignty.

What We Have Achieved

In just a few years, Indigenized Energy has helped reshape what is possible for Tribal Nations:
Home Makeover projects have cut energy costs for Native families by an average of 45%.
We built a 100 percent off-grid power system for a buffalo sanctuary on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation, restoring land, strengthening food sovereignty, and honoring cultural traditions.
We trained a Native workforce where 100 percent of our solar trainees were offered full-time jobs.
We built the largest community solar project in North Dakota, entirely Native led.
We helped form a coalition of 14 tribes across 5 states, amplifying their collective voice and influence.
And we remain 100% Native owned, Native led.

Every project, every partnership, and every trainee is part of a bigger story, one where energy is not just power, but sovereignty, stability, and cultural survival.

Why We Do It

Tribal Nations have faced generations of underinvestment, energy inequity, and dependence on outside utilities. Many communities still pay the highest energy costs in the country. Others are forced to choose between heat and groceries in the winter.

But the desire for self-determination, sustainability, and cultural restoration has never been stronger.

Indigenized Energy exists to turn these challenges into opportunity, helping communities build systems that honor tradition, support economic growth, and create lasting strength for the next seven generations.

Indigenized Energy

Energy Sovereignty Starts Here

Giving Day 2025