Annual Hands-on Training

The Sustainable Nations Development Project hosts an annual ten day intensive hands-on training workshop for Indigenous people in the concepts, installation, and maintenance of environmentally and culturally appropriatetechnologies. 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
  • Alternative On-Site Wastewater Treatment

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!

The Sustainable Nations Development Project is an affiliate of the Seventh Generation Fund, a 501c3 non-profit organization, dedicated to promoting and maintaining the uniqueness of Native Peoples and Nations.