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7/23 Update: New Video about Navajo Green Jobs Campaign

Posted by Ada McMahon at Jul 21, 2009 06:45 PM |

Today the Navajo Nation Council voted to create a Navajo Green Economy Commission! This is a major step towards creating hundreds of jobs on the Navajo Nation. Green For All is proud to have provided technical support for this effort. Read the press release from The Navajo Green Economy Coalition.

7/23 Update: New Video about Navajo Green Jobs Campaign

Supporters of the bill marched to the Navajo Nation Council vote today.

Today the Navajo Nation Council voted to create a Navajo Green Economy Commission!

This is a major step towards creating hundreds of jobs on the Navajo Nation. Green For All is proud to have provided technical support for this effort.

 

Hear the voices of this story:

 

 

The press release from The Navajo Green Economy Coalition:


NAVAJO NATION LEADS INDIAN COUNTRY WITH NEW GREEN JOBS LEGISLATION


Press Contact:
Nikke Alex (505) 879-7461
Chelsea Chee (928) 637-5592
Fax Number: (928) 213-5905
[email protected]
www.navajogreenjobs.com

Window Rock, AZ – On July 21, 2009, the 21st Navajo Nation Council voted "green" and passed the enactment of the Navajo Green Economy Commission. Navajo Nation Speaker Lawrence T. Morgan and the Navajo Green Economy Coalition developed these legislation to support the creation of hundreds of Green Jobs on the Navajo Nation.

In the morning, over fifty supporters from across the reservation gathered in front of the Navajo Nation Education Building and peacefully marched a quarter of a mile in green "Green Jobs" shirts to the Navajo Nation Council Chambers in Window Rock, AZ.  Supporters greeted Council Delegates while filling up the front row seats of the council chambers.  Multi-generational supporters sat in to encourage and ensure that their community representatives pass the legislation.

"This is the just the beginning for Indian Country.  We hope our efforts pave the way for other tribal nations to bring local sustainable green jobs to their communities," said Wahleah Johns, Co-Director of the Black Mesa Water Coalition.

"A green economy is not a new concept to Navajo.  There are many green business opportunities that fit perfectly with our culture.  We must once again hearken to such processes to truly build our own economy that puts high value on our tradition - old and modern economic pursuits.  In this way, we will build a vibrant economy for the future generations while honoring our great ancestors.  Today's decision is a critical first step towards making this dream a reality," said Tony Skrelunas, the former Executive Director of the Navajo Nation's Division of Economic Development and a member of the Coalition.

"The passing of this legislation is monumental because it is a catalyst for economic development on the Navajo Nation with Navajo traditional values & community at it's core," says David Johns of the Dine' Haatali Association Vice-President (Navajo Medicine Men Association).

The enactment of the Navajo Nation Green Economy Commission was introduced and tabled during the Navajo Nation Spring Council Session in April 2009.  After three months of additional work, the legislation was brought up as Old Business on the council floor and quickly went to a vote.  The 14-month effort ended victoriously with a vote of 62 to 1.

The Navajo Green Jobs Coalition congratulates the Navajo Nation Council in taking this first, important step in securing green jobs for the Navajo people.  This legislation will set up the infrastructure needed to capture federal money already earmarked for green job development.  What’s more this legislation will focus on small-scale, community development—a form of economic development that empowers local communities and allows folks to work near their homes and communities.  This moves the Navajo Nation and the Navajo people one step closer to a green economy. We look forward to the president’s signature on the legislation in the coming weeks.

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Navajo Nation Green Jobs

Navajo Nation Green Jobs Vote

 

Photos by Kelvin Long

 

Document Actions

NA Green enterprise

Posted by Phillip Jutras at Jul 28, 2009 11:53 AM
The economic impact of green jobs training in trigbal areas and in selected tribal colleges is strengthened by reciprocal small green enterprise development and training. Parternships which support and susteain these green efficiency/renewal energy businesses can be developed rapidly and a core group of startups and restart-ups from trades can
build a foundation for grwoth in the energy efficiency sector.
Care to discuss?

Phillip Jutras Ph.D.
Professor of Leadership/Management
MassBay CC
Wellesley, MA 02482

pjutras@massbay.edu
pjutras@gmail.com

One Partnership Opportunity

Posted by Karen Jackson at Aug 04, 2009 01:08 PM
Absolutely Agreed Phillip,

West Coast Green is hosting it's second annual Tribal Summit from Oct.1-3rd in San Francisco. We have partnered with the EPA to bring green resources, education and networking opportunities to Tribal Members in their network and would love to expand our offer through other tribal networks.

I would love to discuss!

Karen Jackson
Chief Innovation Officer
West Coast Green, Oct. 1-3rd San Francisco
karen@westcoastgreen.com