Rajan Wilcox
Native American communities have a long history of living in harmony with their environment, but the extraction and transportation of fossil fuels near their communities have put their health and the climate at risk. Native American reservations represent only 2% of US land but hold about 20% of the country's fossil fuel resources, with almost 54 billion tons of coal, 5.4 billion barrels of oil, and 38 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves. This has led to economic prosperity for some tribes, but it has also resulted in ecological devastation and human rights violations, with health issues such as high asthma rates in communities near coal plants. Some tribes are embracing energy development, while others are campaigning against fossil fuel extraction, citing concerns about clean water and natural resources. Renewable energy projects offer an alternative path to economic development and energy independence for Native American communities, and initiatives like the Indigenized Energy Initiative are working towards this goal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fossil fuel reserves on Native American lands | 54 billion tons of coal, 5.4 billion barrels of oil, and 38 trillion cubic feet of natural gas |
| Percentage of US fossil fuel reserves on Native American lands | 35% |
| Percentage of US land that is Native American land | 2% |
| Value of fossil fuel reserves on Native American lands | $1.5 trillion |
| Impact of fossil fuel extraction on Native American communities | Ecological devastation, health issues, violation of human rights, destruction of sacred sites, drying up of aquifers, micro-climate changes, air and soil pollution |
| Native American communities' stance on fossil fuels | Some tribes like the Northern Cheyenne and dozens in the Pacific Northwest are campaigning against fossil fuel extraction, while others like the Three Affiliated Tribes have embraced it |
| Initiatives to support Native American communities transitioning to renewable energy | Indigenized Energy Initiative (IEI), Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy |
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What You'll Learn
- Native American reservations hold 35% of US fossil fuels
- Fossil fuel extraction devastates sacred sites and natural resources
- Low-income Native Americans are affected by environmental injustices
- Some tribes embrace fossil fuel development for economic prosperity
- Renewable energy projects can provide economic benefits and tribal sovereignty
Native American reservations hold 35% of US fossil fuels
Native American communities have a long history of living in harmony with the environment. However, the extraction and transportation of fossil fuels near their communities, along with unjust policies, have put their health, the environment, and tribal sovereignty at risk. Native American reservations represent only 2% of US land but hold 20% of the country's oil and gas reserves, with 30% of America's coal reserves west of the Mississippi River lying on tribal lands. This has led to the ecological devastation of Indigenous lands and gross violations of human rights.
The Indigenous Environmental Network (IEN) and other Indigenous activist groups have developed campaign strategies to support tribal community organizers working to halt energy resource development on Native lands or make it more environmentally and culturally responsible. Native-led organizations like the Indigenized Energy Initiative (IEI) are also working towards energy independence for Indigenous communities through the development of renewable energy projects.
Despite the resistance to fossil fuel development, some Native American tribes embrace energy development on their lands as a means to improve their economic fortunes and fight poverty. For example, the Three Affiliated Tribes have benefited economically from oil production, receiving more than $117 million in royalties in 2011. However, activists fighting fracking on the Fort Berthold Reservation in North Dakota argue that oil production is displacing their tribal culture and destroying their relationship with the land.
The transition to clean and renewable energy sources offers an opportunity for Native American communities to achieve economic development and energy independence while also respecting the environment and their cultural values. Solar energy has gained traction among tribes due to its low cost and high demand in western states. The Navajo Nation and the Hopi Tribe have received funding for solar infrastructure projects, and it is estimated that solar PV could produce twice the nation's requirement of electricity on tribal lands. Additionally, wind power on tribal lands could potentially power over 50 million homes.
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Fossil fuel extraction devastates sacred sites and natural resources
Native American communities have a long history of living with and learning from the environment. However, the extraction of fossil fuels near their communities has put their health and the climate at risk. Fossil fuel extraction has devastated sacred sites and natural resources, with Indigenous peoples experiencing health issues and a loss of cultural heritage.
The extraction and transportation of fossil fuels have caused environmental damage and health issues for Indigenous communities. For example, the Moapa tribe lived next to a coal plant for over 45 years, which they claim caused high asthma rates in the community. The plant was shut down in 2012, and the tribe has since partnered with First Solar to build a 250-megawatt PV plant, supplying lease income and power to Los Angeles. The Northern Cheyenne and dozens of tribes in the Pacific Northwest are also resisting fossil fuel extraction, concerned about the impact on their water sources and other natural resources.
The process of extracting fossil fuels can contaminate water sources, a key issue for tribes who depend on fishing. The transportation of coal can also cause environmental damage, with tribes along the Pacific Northwest coal-export superhighway concerned about the impact of coal dust on salmon populations.
The destruction of sacred sites and the contamination of natural resources have not only caused health issues but also impacted the cultural heritage and sovereignty of Indigenous communities. With a history of trauma due to colonial conquest and treaty violations, fossil fuel extraction has created another cycle of destruction. The unjust policies and corporate exploitation of Native lands have resulted in ecological devastation and human rights violations.
Despite these concerns, some tribes have embraced fossil fuel development as a path to economic prosperity and upward mobility. The Crow tribe, for example, signed an agreement for Cloud Peak Energy LLC to lease up to 1.4 billion tons of coal located under their reservation. Additionally, nearly 40% of people on reservations live in poverty, with average annual incomes less than half of other US citizens, which has motivated some tribes to allow mineral and fossil fuel extraction.
However, there is a growing movement towards renewable energy among Native American communities. The Indigenized Energy Initiative (IEI), a Native-led nonprofit organization, works with multiple American Indian tribes to develop energy master plans and strategic clean energy projects. By leveraging the power of clean energy, tribes are working towards energy independence and revitalizing their economies while respecting the environment and their cultural obligations to protect it.
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Low-income Native Americans are affected by environmental injustices
Native American communities are among the poorest in the United States, with nearly 40% of people on reservations living in poverty, four times the national average. This has resulted in many tribes allowing the extraction of fossil fuels as a path to economic prosperity. However, this has disproportionately affected low-income Native Americans, who have to pay a high price for fossil fuel-based energy policies.
The extraction and transportation of fossil fuels near their communities have put the health and climate of these communities at risk. For instance, the Moapa tribe, who lived next to a coal plant for over 45 years, experienced high asthma rates in the community. The Northern Cheyenne and dozens of tribes in the Pacific Northwest are also campaigning against fossil fuel extraction, citing concerns about the protection of clean water and other natural resources.
Additionally, with 35% of US fossil fuels located on or near Indigenous lands, there is a renewed form of colonization characterized by unrestrained corporate exploitation, resulting in ecological devastation and human rights violations. Low-income Native Americans are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of this exploitation, including the devastation of sacred sites, the drying up of aquifers, micro-climate changes, and the poisoning of air and soil with toxins.
Furthermore, many reservations are in the path of the Pacific Northwest coal-export superhighway, which will transport coal to Asia. The tribes along this route will be affected by coal dust, which they claim will harm salmon, a key food resource. Thus, low-income Native Americans are disproportionately affected by environmental injustices related to fossil fuels, facing health, economic, and cultural risks.
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Some tribes embrace fossil fuel development for economic prosperity
Native American communities have a long history of living in harmony with the environment. However, the extraction and transportation of fossil fuels near their communities have put their health, the environment, and tribal sovereignty at risk. With 35% of the United States' fossil fuel reserves located on or near Indigenous lands, there is a renewed form of colonization driven by corporate exploitation, resulting in ecological devastation and human rights violations.
Despite these concerns, some tribes embrace fossil fuel development for economic prosperity. Native American communities are among the poorest in the nation, with nearly 40% of people on reservations living in poverty, and average annual incomes less than half of other US citizens. The vast fossil fuel reserves on these lands, valued at around $1.5 trillion, present a lucrative opportunity. For example, the Crow Tribe signed an agreement to lease up to 1.4 billion tons of coal, and the Three Affiliated Tribes received over $117 million in royalties in 2011 through fracking.
The path to economic development through fossil fuels is not without challenges. The Moapa tribe, who lived next to a coal plant, experienced high asthma rates in the community. Additionally, tribes along the Pacific Northwest coal-export superhighway are affected by coal dust, which they claim will harm salmon, a key food resource.
Some tribes are exploring alternatives to fossil fuels to achieve economic prosperity. The Indigenized Energy Initiative (IEI), a Native-led nonprofit organization, works with tribes to develop energy master plans and strategic clean energy projects. By leveraging solar technology, tribes can achieve energy independence, create jobs, and revitalize their economies while preserving their respect for the environment and concern for future generations.
While the decision to embrace fossil fuel development may provide short-term economic gains, the potential environmental and health impacts affect not just the tribes but also the broader society. The transition to clean and renewable energy sources offers a more sustainable path to prosperity for Native American communities.
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Renewable energy projects can provide economic benefits and tribal sovereignty
Native American communities have been historically traumatized by colonial conquest, treaty violations, and energy exploitation. Fossil fuel extraction and transportation near these communities have put their health, climate, and tribal sovereignty at risk. With 35% of US fossil fuels located on or near Indigenous lands, Native American communities are targeted by unrestrained corporate exploitation, resulting in ecological devastation and human rights violations.
Renewable energy projects offer an opportunity for Native American communities to achieve economic benefits and tribal sovereignty. Native-led initiatives, such as the Indigenized Energy Initiative (IEI), aim to harness the power of renewable energy to restore self-determination and promote just energy transitions. By developing strategic energy projects and creating a Native workforce, these communities can achieve energy independence and economic development.
IEI, founded by Cheri Smith of the Mi'Kmaq Tribe, works with a team of Indigenous leaders and solar experts to empower Native Americans to transform their energy future. This includes deploying solar demonstration projects, developing energy master plans, and creating jobs for tribal members.
Additionally, the Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy is engaged with 10 Native American tribes, supporting their self-determined efforts to develop clean energy projects and infrastructure. This initiative is being implemented across several states, including Montana, North Dakota, and Washington.
Through renewable energy projects, Native American communities can strengthen their tribal self-sufficiency, preserve sovereignty, and fulfill their sacred covenants to protect Mother Earth. Scholars recommend focusing on building relationships of trust, enhancing technical and financial capacity within Native nations, and overhauling legal and policy structures to support tribal sovereignty and self-determination. By addressing these barriers, renewable energy can align with Native values and provide economic resources to advance the development of Native economies.
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Frequently asked questions
Fossil fuels affect the health of Native Americans in several ways. The extraction and transportation of fossil fuels near their communities have put their health at risk. For instance, the Moapa tribe, which lived next to a coal plant for over 45 years, experienced high asthma rates in the community. Additionally, many tribes along the Pacific Northwest coal-export superhighway will be affected by coal dust blowing off the trains, which they claim will hurt the salmon, a key food resource for many tribes.
Fossil fuels have both positive and negative impacts on the economies of Native American communities. On the one hand, the extraction of fossil fuels can provide a path to economic prosperity and upward mobility for Native American tribes. On the other hand, the development of fossil fuel resources can lead to ecological devastation and violations of human rights, impacting tribal sovereignty and the health of the community. Additionally, the dependence on non-renewable resources has narrowed the economic focus for revenues supporting many tribal governments.
Several Native American communities are resisting the extraction of fossil fuels on their lands. For example, the Northern Cheyenne tribe has inspired the Indigenized Energy Initiative (IEI), a Native-led nonprofit organization focused on harnessing renewable energy to restore self-determination in Native American communities. Other tribes such as the Turtle Mountain band of Chippewa in North Dakota and the Haudenosaunee of New York have banned fracking on their land.
