I learned about the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Indian Energy College Student Internship Program at Sandia National Laboratories when I was an undergraduate in the Renewable Energy program at Illinois State University. I was immediately attracted to it. I thought it would be the perfect program to experience what it means to work with a tribe as the tribe pursues renewable energy projects. The program certainly met these expectations, but it was so much more, too.
Renewable energy is not often associated with tribes, but my internship experience proved to me that renewable energy projects significantly impact tribes and their surrounding communities. We visited residential-, community-, and utility-scale projects on tribal lands. During site visits, we spoke with tribal members and employees. We learned what motivated the tribes to pursue renewable energy, how they pursued financing, what challenges they faced, and what their solutions to those challenges were.
The site visits allowed us to understand the unique approach of each tribe. For example, some tribes solved electricity access issues by using off-grid renewable energy. For some, these projects also served as the foundation for ecotourism. A few of the tribes were just getting started by developing community strategic energy plans. Others were recognized for their leadership as environmental stewards. I hoped to gain an idea of how I could help my Tribe, the Mescalero Apache (Mescalero), pursue renewable energy. My research from this internship, which is discussed below, offers insight into how the Tribe can begin.
Renewable energy projects led many of the tribes we visited to consider other beneficial forms of sustainable development, such energy efficient practices, green building techniques, and green building certifications. Tribes also trained and employed members of their community through renewable energy projects. Many tribes found success through partnerships with public and private enterprises and through financial and technical assistance from state and federal government agencies.
With the guidance of my mentor, Sandra Begay, I identified a research topic that enabled me to use my education and experience in considering the opportunities for my Tribe. The research is intended to guide Mescalero toward sustainable building design at the Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino. My research paper begins by defining sustainable design and discussing tribes that have pursued sustainable design, including those we visited as part of my internship. Next, it examines sustainable design opportunities at the Mescalero Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino as well as opportunities for my Tribe to get financial and technical assistance for potential projects.
Looking back, I know my research only scratched the surface. There are many other tribes that have started on their renewable energy paths. I know now, more than ever, that each tribe has unique cultures and different natural resources to be protected and developed. I also know that these tribes' renewable energy and sustainable development projects will contribute to improving the lives of their people, improving their surrounding communities, and building a sustainable future for our country.
For more information on Diana’s research, see her on identifying sustainable design opportunities in tribal hotels and casinos.
Watch the Office of Indian Energy’s College Student Internship program video.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Energy, Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs
