SOUTH DAKOTA

Our work on Tribal Lands started with the Oglala Lakota Nation on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in the early 2000s. We began by collaborating with solar entrepreneur Chief Henry Red Cloud, proprietor of Lakota Solar Enterprises, to develop renewable energy projects that help create economic opportunities for Tribal members while promoting the sacred connection between land and people. In 2007, we co-founded the Red Cloud Renewable Energy Center with Henry, a first-of-its-kind Native American teaching facility in the heart of Indian Country. Together, we have also worked to reforest burn areas across Pine Ridge with the native ponderosa pine, bringing new life, future windbreaks, erosion control, and culturally significant fruit-bearing species for Lakota people.

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"As Lakota people, we believe trees and Mother Earth have a heartbeat. That heart has been damaged, and it's our job to take care of it. Lena Wazizi Can Waka (These Pine Trees Are Sacred). What we’re doing planting these trees is honoring the sacred hoop of life; we’re not only helping the environment but we’re also focusing on teamwork and community development. We’re becoming relatives with the Earth again"

- Spiritual leader from Cheyenne River Indian Reservation

Through the simple act of planting trees, Lakota Tribal members seek to improve their local air and water quality, prevent soil erosion, and combat climate change while also gaining opportunities to earn seasonal income.

In pursuit of long-term sustainability and supporting Tribal communities' right to self-governance, we design projects to strengthen local people's capacities with technical skills and opportunities to earn income.

TWP is honored to help amplify Native voices in the vital pursuit of self-governance and supporting Indigenous sovereignty through locally-led conservation projects. 

Our work in South Dakota includes: 

  • Planted over 100,000 Ponderosa Pines since 2015, and in recent years diversified the species palette to include culturally significant fruit-bearing trees 

  • Support Lakota-run enterprises in the development of energy efficiency and land management projects to promote green workforce development for Tribal communities

  • Partnering with local Tribal schools and education initiatives to implement SWET (Solar Warrior Empowerment Trainings) workshops to empower communities in renewable energy

  • Supporting local Indigenous-led efforts and initiatives seeking to increase access and promote reconnection to traditional foods and medicines