Advancing Native American Economies and Workforce Development Report
Building green economies in Native American communities means adopting development approaches that align environmental sustainability with Tribal Sovereignty, cultural values, and long-term economic self-sufficiency. Across Indian Country, tribal nations are investing in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, ecosystem restoration, and other community-driven initiatives that generate economic opportunities while strengthening cultural and environmental resilience.
This report highlights three initiatives, the Pit River Tribe’s food sovereignty project, Native Sun Community Power Development in Red Lake Nation, and ‘Āina Momona’s erosion mitigation work on Molokai, which demonstrate a fundamental principle: Climate action in Native communities is inseparable from the larger project of sovereignty and self-determination. These initiatives are not environmental programs with cultural components added as afterthoughts. They are community-driven sovereignty projects that address climate change, food security, economic opportunity, and cultural revitalization.
This report was made possible with generous support from the Allstate Foundation.
