The Payne Institute for Public Policy at Colorado School of Mines has secured a $750,000 grant from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation to further its Native American Mining and Energy Sovereignty (NAMES) Initiative. This funding will support the initiative’s core team, promoting sustainability and empowering tribal communities through knowledge and collaboration in energy security and sovereignty.
“The generous funding from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation ignites a transformative journey where Native Nations evolve from exercising sovereignty to demonstrating significance – not just determining our path but creating solutions that benefit generations to come,” said Richard Luarkie, program director for the NAMES Initiative. “This partnership empowers our Native communities and partners to harness engineering, research, scientific knowledge and technological innovation, ensuring Native voices lead the conversation in shaping an energy future where Native lands and resources serve Native people first and foremost. We are deeply grateful to the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.”
NAMES, launched in 2023 at Colorado School of Mines, aims to support Tribal communities and engage with industry while contributing to the national discussion on mineral and energy development in the western U.S. The initiative advocates for Tribal sovereignty and economic integration, facilitating research as well as providing scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students.
NAMES will also hold its second annual Native American Mining and Energy Sovereignty Symposium this month in Ignacio, Colo., located on the Reservation of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe. Scheduled for May 20-21, the event will convene tribal leaders, energy experts, and government representatives to discuss energy and mining development in Indian country. Attendees will engage in discussions about energy and mineral security, project financing, Indian engagement, and workforce development and education.
In addition to the funding from the Sloan Foundation, NAMES is supported by several partners, including BHP, Resolution Copper, Ivanhoe Electric, Newmont Corp., Marathon Petroleum Corp., the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, the National Tribal Energy Association and the Pueblo of Laguna.
“The issues facing Indian Country are fundamental to the economic and energy security of the United States. Working with Tribes brings significant benefits to our nation, the state of Colorado and Colorado School of Mines,” said Morgan Bazilian, director of the Payne Institute.
