Native America and Solar Power

We had a discussion in class about solar power and how Native American reservations are taking advantage of their location to set up solar arrays. Solar power and sustainable energy constructs could pave a way ahead for many native tribes. Why?

1. More sustainable economically than casinos: Sure, they may require thinking in the long term, but a plan to copy the Navajo and place solar arrays on tribal land is a sure thing from an economic standpoint. Casinos are vulnerable to economic downturns; energy is far less vulnerable and far more steady; everybody needs power.

2. Works for tribes without a viable casino location: Who wants to go to Pine Ridge for a holiday of gambling? Instead, Pine Ridge, and other plains and desert reservations, could begin to invest in services that surrounding states and communities require. A win/win for power companies and the tribe.

3. Make use of extensive tribal land: Much tribal land is useless for just about everything....except things like wind and solar units. Why not make use of this terrain for something profitable?

Here's a final thought: what if the tribes began to come together, with wealthier ones investing in wind and solar units in reservations unable to meet the initial investment. Further, the green power initiative by the Federal Government could give grants to tribes, with appropriate oversight. A significant growth in power production by Native American tribes would also give an addition to the meaning of "Made in the USA". A economically unified native community within the US and Canada would be beneficial, I think, on both sides of the line. Green and sustainable energy, economic benefits and a unified sense of native community.

In the roleplaying game Shadowrun the native tribes are powerful, unified and possess a significant say in how their country is run. In the game world they have magic...in the real world that could be the future of solar and wind power.