September 2024 News & Updates

At McKnight we consider it our highest expression of mission when we can support efforts at the intersection of climate solutions and racial equity, and across the Midwest we are seeing bold examples around how we can reimagine and rebuild an equitable and sustainable green economy for all.

Our grantee partner Robert Blake, a member of the Red Lake Nation and executive director at Native Sun Community Power Development, is leading this innovative work across the Midwest with his team and their many Tribal community partnerships. Robert says that to him, "an equitable energy transition means Native country leading the way."

Another term used to describe this approach is Tribal energy sovereignty, which is rooted in the inherent rights of Indigenous communities to lead, own, control, and manage their energy resources. This means that Tribal governments get to be the ones to determine which projects are built on their land and to benefit directly, from health and wealth to caring for nature.

My colleague Sarah Hernandez with our Vibrant & Equitable Communities program shared that Native Sun has also been a critical partner with Tribal Nations to train a new generation of workers to join the thriving clean energy economy and to create pathways for them to secure well-paying, family-sustaining jobs in the renewable energy field.

Especially with unprecedented resources flowing from federal climate laws like the Inflation Reduction Act, the opportunity for Tribal energy sovereignty has never been greater, and the need for connection, capacity, and a partner in the journey is also great.

We’re excited to highlight Native Sun and their work, alongside grantee partners at Midwest Tribal Energy Resources Association (MTERA) and Indigenized Energy, in our recent story, Building Tribal Energy Sovereignty in the Midwest (featured below).

In collaboration,

Dolkar

Program Officer

Midwest Climate & Energy

Building Tribal Energy Sovereignty in the Midwest

Native Sun Community Power Development is among groups driving a new path toward Tribal sovereignty, an Indigenous-led energy revolution powering justice and jobs by deploying solar and electric vehicles across the Midwest. See the story.

Connecting with partners and building community in Northeast Minnesota

McKnight president Tonya Allen and staff are feeling inspired and grateful after two days of connecting with partners and building relationships on a trip up north earlier this month. Our journey to Fond du Lac, the Iron Range, and Duluth was a testament to the power of partnerships and the incredible work being done across our state. Learn more.

Advancing Climate Action and Racial Equity, In Conversation with Angela Davis

McKnight's Tonya Allen spoke with MPR's Angela Davis about what’s driving the Foundation’s priorities, how she shifted from working on education policy to climate change and racial justice, and how she aims to center people who are farthest from power. Listen now.

Announcing our 2024 Distinguished Artist

An artist and organizer, Ricardo Levins Morales creates art as a form of medicine to support healing from and resistance to oppression. His work is widely used by grassroots movements, organizations, and communities to motivate action and build resilience. Learn more.

News & Updates

DETROIT FREE PRESS: Detroit youth see Lil Tecca and gain access to skilled trade work for free

REPORT: The Overlooked Climate Impact of Rural America

STAR TRIBUNE: Minnesota’s biggest arts prize of $100K goes to social justice leader whose artwork calls for change

MINNPOST FESTIVAL: Join Sierra Club's Ben Jealous and Tonya Allen Sept. 28 for a conversation on climate and equity

IFAD INNOVATION TALK: McKnight kicks off global event on philanthropy's role in transforming food systems

GRANT HIGHLIGHTS: Check out some of the powerful organizations we supported recently

SOCIAL MEDIA: Follow McKnight Foundation on Instagram!

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