Programs
Annual Hands-on Training
The Sustainable Nations Development Project hosts an annual intensive hands-on training workshop for Indigenous people in the concepts, installation, and maintenance of environmentally and culturally appropriate technologies. The technologies focused on include:
- Photovoltaics (Solar Electricity)
- Micro-hydroelectric systems
- Small Scale Wind Energy Systems
- Straw Bale Construction
- Construction Design using ‘Ecological Design’ Methods
- On-Site Natural Wastewater Treatment
- Energy Efficiency/Weatherization
The hands-on portion of the training includes a technology installation for a reservation community.
Follow-Up Support
The primary focus of our program is to prepare students for follow-up support and training. We are devoted to providing support to our training participants to pursue sustainable development technology implementation in their communities. This includes partnering our board and staff with training participants in order to provide apprenticeships, mentorships, further technical training, and project development support to aid the success of on-reservation small scale sustainable development technology programs and projects.
Our students have gone on to establish natural building businesses, renewable energy businesses, and facilitate community projects.
We additionally offer several smaller weekend workshops throughout the year!
Consulting and Development Services
Our staff is available on a contract basis to provide consulting and development services for your tribe, community, or family.
- We can assist you in creating a comprehensive sustainable development plan that is appropriate for your region, community, and culture.
- We can assist in implementing your vision from planning to completion.
- We can provide educational hands-on workshops in your community on natural building, community-scale energy development, wastewater management, and food security.
- We are also available to contract specific projects in line with our expertise, or identify skilled professionals in your area that can implement your projects.
- We offer hands-on workshops for youth organizations and schools.
Speaking and Presentations
- Sustainable development in the Indigenous community
- Indigenous community building internationally
- Community development
For more information about our consulting and development services, or to request a speaking engagement, please Contact Us
Guiding Values
Traditional knowledge, practices, and the strengthening of traditional economies form the foundation of resilient, sustainable Nations, and should be the guide for any development work.
Development plans and projects must be community directed. People of their community are the best ones to serve their community, having intimate knowledge of their culture, their nation, and their resources. Our consultants and trainers serve as resources that community members can draw upon to develop their own strategies and planning, utilizing a ‘training the trainers’ model.
Our work serves on-the-ground planning, development, and implementation. We support policy development initiatives, but the role of Sustainable Nations as an organization is tangible hands-on training and development work.
News & Updates
Indigenous Sustainability Webinar for Tribal Colleges
Sustainable Nations seeks Media Intern
Sustainable Nations has an opening for a Media Intern! We are seeking applicants with the… Read More
Indigenous Sustainable Community Design Course
T JULY 3-15, 2011 in Northern Arizona. For more information contact:tnafa_org@yahoo.com and download an applicationHERE.… Read More