5 - Alternative Environmental Paths

Summary

Chapter 5 uses the pan-Indian 2016 anti-pipeline protests at Standing Rock as a launching off point for discussing the complicated relationship between Indians and the environment. It shows why stereotypes about Indians as environmental stewards are misleading while also affirming the special connection that Indians often have to their land. As the chapter shows, tribal sovereignty provides a way of dealing with both tribal environmental justice concerns and tribal decisions to pursue development that harms the environment. Included in the chapter are discussions of everything from coal-fired power plants to large solar energy facilities.