Jade Begay: Helping tribes with renewable energy development

Here are some of my suggestions for how they might build trusting and respectful relationships:

First, take a look at who is at the table. For instance, although this conference was about tribal lands and working with tribal governments and communities, a majority of the tribal representatives were non-Native, and among the 50 or so conference attendees you could count actual tribal community members on one hand. As an indigenous person, it was disconcerting to see so many non-Native people telling other non-Native people how to relate to indigenous communities.

Second, developers need to spend time learning the history of a tribe and its current political and social-justice climate. Each tribe has experienced centuries of colonial oppression that have resulted in the mistrust of non-Native businesses and organizations. In addition, every tribe faces a unique situation and has a unique set of solutions that aligns with its cultural values. It is strategic and honorable – especially if you are the dominant culture (white, educated, well-funded) – to step back, listen, and engage in deeper conversations about a tribe’s history.

Third, it would be smart for clean energy developers to engage with young indigenous leaders and community organizers. These are the people who may end up trying to kill your project if it is not in the best interest of tribal sovereignty and self-determination.