People of the Sun: Stars Unite for Indigenous Rights and Renewed Energy at Standing Rock

Star-Studded Festival Unites Activists and Celebrities to Honor Native Voices and Ignite a Green Revolution at Standing Rock

This September, the Standing Rock Reservation will host an unprecedented event titled "People of the Sun," designed to mark a decade since the landmark Dakota Access Pipeline protests. Set against the backdrop of Cannonball, North Dakota, the three-day festival from September 16-18 will draw attention not just to the history of those protests but also to the ongoing conversation about environmental protection, indigenous rights, and future initiatives focusing on renewable energy. Beyond grassroots activists, the event promises to feature an electrifying lineup of celebrity participants, including well-known actors and musicians ready to lend their support to this vital cause.

The festival will be headlined by names like Mark Ruffalo and Shailene Woodley—both prominent figures in the environmental movement and intimately connected to the 2016 protests. Woodley herself was arrested during the demonstrations against the pipeline, making her presence particularly poignant. They will be joined by the folk rock band Mumford and Sons and Taboo from the Black Eyed Peas, further blending entertainment with meaningful activism. This event seeks to not only celebrate the achievements of the past ten years but also to inspire renewed efforts towards energy sovereignty and environmental awareness within Native American communities and beyond.

Organized by Indigenized Energy, a Native American-led nonprofit focused on solar energy initiatives, "People of the Sun" is rooted in the social and environmental commitments that sprang from the Dakota Access Pipeline protests. Cody Two Bears, the organization’s founder and a former representative for Cannonball on the Standing Rock Sioux Tribal Council, reflects on how the seeds planted during those protests have blossomed into greater activism and energy projects worldwide. With the successful execution of solar projects across tribes, including a recent completion for the Chippewa Cree Tribe in Montana, Indigenized Energy signifies a step toward energy independence, alleviating dependence on often unreliable resources and fostering sustainable practices.

The event will also spotlight a range of awards to commemorate tribes excelling in energy sovereignty, teaching, workforce development, and mentorship. Two Bears emphasizes that while it's crucial to recognize what has been achieved, it’s equally essential to look ahead and redefine the collaborative values that brought communities together during the protests. By inviting philanthropists and change-makers to connect with energy sovereignty advocates, the hope is that "People of the Sun" will pave the way for more significant funding opportunities that can benefit indigenous peoples and environmental projects alike.

In a landscape where federal funding for such initiatives can be unpredictable, the example set by Indigenized Energy is particularly noteworthy. With the prior Biden administration allocating over $135 million to support solar energy initiatives through the Northern Plains Tribal Coalition—and this funding trounced by previous administrative shifts—Two Bears has demonstrated resilience and creativity. Despite setbacks, their ongoing projects, such as an off-grid solar installation for the Northern Cheyenne Tribe and a multi-purpose solar system for the buffalo processing facility, showcase the innovative spirit of Native communities dedicated to sustainable energy and self-sufficiency.

Though the Dakota Access Pipeline protest has faded from the national headlines, its legacy continues to cast a long shadow. Legal battles and protests around energy projects, like the recent opposition to exploratory drilling by Pete Lien and Sons in the sacred Pe’ Sla area of the Black Hills, underscore the importance of vigilance and advocacy among indigenous tribes. As the pressures from resource extraction loom, events such as "People of the Sun" play a vital role in reinforcing community ties and elevating indigenous voices in the broader environmental dialogue.

With the countdown to "People of the Sun" underway, anticipation builds for an event that promises to be more than just a celebratory festival. It will serve as a powerful reminder of the enduring fight for environmental justice and indigenous rights, blending A-list star power with the heartfelt stories of activists who have long advocated for their communities and the planet. As attendees gather to celebrate, educate, and inspire, they will affirm a shared commitment not just to commemorate the past but to pave the way for a brighter, more sustainable future. The question now becomes: how far can a shared commitment to social and environmental justice take us in the coming years?