Navajo Nation Goes Green

The word is starting to spread that creating jobs and greening the economy don't have to be mutually exclusive goals. Some of Obama's stimulus money is dedicated to projects that get people working to improve energy efficiency. More jobs, less emissions. Yay!

The Navajo Nation is now on board. At its most recent meeting in Winslow Rock, Ariz., the Navajo Nation Council established the "Navajo Green Economy Commission" in a near-unanimous (62-1) vote.

The Commission will organize projects of seven types, all meant to jump-start the local economy while emphasizing environmental sustainability: renewable energy, green manufacturing, sustainable agriculture, weatherizing and energy-efficiency, training in green jobs and management and a small business initiative. The Commission will seek federal grants for green jobs projects and use this money to support community development within the Navajo Nation.

This development is a big deal for native leaders. Marty Durlin of High Country News reports that Enei Begaye, who spearheaded the effort to create the Commission, identifies this as "the first tribal government initiative to create green jobs policy and structure."

As if that's not enough, Durbin writes that " ... combining traditional culture, web-based marketing and cutting-edge green technologies — the plan could transform the Navajo Nation and serve as a model for other tribes."

Photo courtesy of fredbIII at stock.xchang.