Indigenized Energy and Partners Celebrate Completion of Off-Grid Solar Project Now Powering Northern Cheyenne Buffalo Herd and Food Sovereignty Efforts

ASHLAND, Mont., Sept. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Indigenized Energy proudly announces the completion of the Off-Grid Buffalo Project, a groundbreaking renewable energy installation bringing power, sovereignty, and cultural revitalization to the Northern Cheyenne Tribe. The 36-kilowatt off-grid solar energy system, paired with a 58 Kilowatt-hour of battery storage, now powers critical ranch operations, supporting the tribe's buffalo program and broader food and energy sovereignty goals.

Located near Ashland, Montana, the solar and battery storage system replaces diesel generators and provides sustainable and reliable power in a location too remote for a traditional grid connection. The system now powers a conditioning pasture, hydraulic buffalo chute, operations building, and watering infrastructure—supporting a herd of more than 300 buffalo, which are central to the tribe's identity, cultural restoration, and land stewardship.

"This isn't just about electricity—it's about power in every sense of the word," said Cody Two Bears, Founder and CEO of Indigenized Energy. "Power to manage your land, feed your community, and decide your own future. That's what energy sovereignty looks like."

The project was made possible through a powerful collaboration among tribal leaders, nonprofit partners, and renewable energy companies. Indigenized Energy led development and coordination, with Freedom Forever serving as the project contractor, equipment and training from Jinko Solar, and major philanthropic funding from the Honnold Foundation and Empowered by Light.

"We are thrilled to support this collaborative effort, which provides an incredible opportunity for the Northern Cheyenne to reestablish their sovereignty, improve the health of their tribe and strengthen their connection to a culturally iconic species," said Moira Hanes, Executive Director and Co-founder of Empowered by Light.

"This project shows how clean energy can honor culture, protect the land, and strengthen community resilience, while advancing food sovereignty and creating a model for climate solutions rooted in equity," said Emily Teitsworth, Executive Director of the Honnold Foundation.

For the Northern Cheyenne, the buffalo represent more than a food source—they are sacred relatives and ecological partners in regenerating prairie lands.

"Our buffalo are central to who we are as a people," said Brandon Small, Buffalo Program Manager for the Northern Cheyenne Tribe. "Caring for them means caring for our culture, our health, and the land that sustains us."

A dedication ceremony is planned at a later date to honor the tribal members, funders, and partners who made the project possible.  

To learn more or support future projects, visit www.4indigenized.energy.

About Indigenized Energy
Founded in 2017, Indigenized Energy is a non-profit organization dedicated to building renewable energy solutions in Native American communities while creating job opportunities and fostering local capacity building. Their mission is to empower indigenous communities to take control of their energy future and lead the way in sustainable development.

SOURCE Indigenized Energy