Future generations of humans and our non-human relatives will face the environmental consequences of a human-first approach towards development. The transition from fossil fuels towards renewable energy sources represents a deviation in behavior back to the eco-centric principles practiced by our ancestors for millennia. Renewable energy technology and infrastructure development often faces barriers within communities for numerous reasons. Using Native Nation Building theory from the community development literature as a foundation, this thesis examines the perspectives of tribal affiliated individuals for initiating renewable energy development in a Michigan tribal community. The study relies on 14 semi-structured interviews with tribal citizens and employees in one Native American community that has repeatedly expressed interest in developing renewable energy infrastructure projects on tribal lands. Through thematic analysis, observations, and personal experience, I show how both required elements of Native Nation Building have not been fulfilled and barriers to development are a result of conditions witnessed during repeated site visits to conduct qualitative interviews. This research makes it clear that the barriers identified by academic literature are overshadowed by the conditions witnessed while interacting with tribal community members. In addition to participatory based action research strategies, I argue that addressing poor community conditions is necessary while attempting community development projects focused on renewable energy transitions.
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