#United States #Ashland #Indigenized Energy #food sovereignty #Northern Cheyenne

Empowering a Community: The Off-Grid Buffalo Project

Indigenized Energy has achieved a significant milestone with the completion of the Off-Grid Buffalo Project, a renewable energy initiative designed specifically to support the Northern Cheyenne Tribe in Montana. This transformational project is more than just a power source; it is a means to achieve food sovereignty and cultural revitalization.

Situated near the remote town of Ashland, Montana, this innovative 36-kilowatt solar system is paired with a 58-kilowatt-hour battery storage unit. The system replaces the reliance on diesel generators, providing a sustainable and reliable energy source for critical ranch operations. The electricity generated powers vital infrastructure such as a conditioning pasture, hydraulic buffalo chute, operations building, and watering systems, directly benefiting the tribe's buffalo program and broader efforts in food sovereignty.

Cody Two Bears, the Founder and CEO of Indigenized Energy, emphasized the multifaceted importance of this project. He stated, "This isn't just about electricity—it's about power in every sense of the word. Power to manage your land, feed your community, and decide your own future. That's what energy sovereignty looks like." These sentiments reflect a core value of the initiative—facilitating self-determination for Native tribes through energy independence.

The project is an exemplar of collaboration, bringing together tribal leaders, nonprofit organizations, and renewable energy enterprises. Indigenized Energy spearheaded development efforts, with Freedom Forever acting as the primary contractor. Other key partners included Jinko Solar, which provided the necessary equipment and training, and significant funding from the Honnold Foundation and Empowered by Light.

"We are thrilled to support this collaborative effort, which provides an incredible opportunity for the Northern Cheyenne to reestablish their sovereignty, improve the health of their tribe, and strengthen their connection to a culturally iconic species," said Moira Hanes, Executive Director and Co-founder of Empowered by Light.

This project stands as a testament to how clean energy can harmonize with cultural values, protect the land, and boost community resilience. Emily Teitsworth, Executive Director of the Honnold Foundation, commented, "This project shows how clean energy can honor culture, protect the land, and strengthen community resilience, while advancing food sovereignty and creating a model for climate solutions rooted in equity."

For the Northern Cheyenne Tribe, buffalo are not merely livestock but sacred relatives, deeply intertwined with their cultural identity and ecological stewardship. Brandon Small, the Buffalo Program Manager for the Northern Cheyenne Tribe, expressed this sentiment poignantly, stating, "Our buffalo are central to who we are as a people. Caring for them means caring for our culture, our health, and the land that sustains us."

The completion of the Off-Grid Buffalo Project heralds a new chapter for the Northern Cheyenne, positioning them to reclaim their energy narrative and reinforce their cultural practices. Following this monumental achievement, a dedication ceremony is set to honor all tribal members, funding sources, and partners who contributed to making this project a reality.

To find out more about Indigenized Energy and how you can support future renewable energy projects, visit www.4indigenized.energy.

About Indigenized Energy

Founded in 2017, Indigenized Energy is a nonprofit organization committed to advancing renewable energy solutions in Native American communities. The organization aims to create job opportunities while fostering local capacity, in line with its mission to empower indigenous communities to control their energy futures and lead sustainable development efforts.