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Where Electric Nation Meets Education
School Buses for the Next Seven Generations
Cleaner rides. Stronger communities. Tribal energy sovereignty in motion.
In 2026, Native Sun Community Power Development, in partnership with Electric Nation and the World Resources Institute’s Electric School Bus Initiative, launched a new electric school bus initiative.
Electric Nation is expanding its reach by incorporating electric school buses (ESBs) into its initiative. This move aims to promote sustainable transportation options for students and reduce the environmental impact of school commutes.
By transitioning to electric buses, schools can contribute to cleaner air and a healthier planet, while also potentially lowering operating costs in the long run. They can also support their Tribal Nation’s energy sovereignty through the second life of ESB batteries, which reduce material use and provide energy storage to lower costs and meet emergency power needs.
This expansion is a key part of the transition to electric transportation and underscores our commitment to a sustainable Turtle Island.
Electric School
Bus Initiative
Collaborating to equitably
electrify the U.S. school bus fleet.
This webpage provides information on funding and technical assistance opportunities relevant to Tribal Nations. You will find links to organizations you can contact to learn more about planning for electric school buses, acquiring them, and installing the appropriate charging infrastructure to run your electric school bus fleet.
Charged for Tomorrow: School Bus Electrification
Electric school buses support Tribal energy sovereignty when Tribal Nations control decisions about fleet planning, charging infrastructure, energy resources, utility relationships, battery use, and long-term community benefits. The initiative helps communities connect school transportation, energy infrastructure, and future investments in ways that reflect their own priorities and the needs of the next seven generations.
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Supporting Energy Sovereignty and Building a Foundation for Seven Generations
Map of Committed EV School Buses serving Tribal Nations and Native Communities
Program Community Feature
The Red Lake Independent School District (ISD) celebrates how transportation empowers our youth. In an interview with Tim Lutz, we explore how school buses act as vital lifelines, enhancing education and community connections for students in the Red Lake Nation.
Discover how these initiatives are shaping tomorrow's leaders by viewing the News and Videos.
The Red Lake Nation
Miskwaagamiiwi-Zaagaiganing
A Revolution in Cherokee, North Carolina
ᏣᎳᎩ ᏧᎾᏕᎶᏆᏍᏗ ᏚᏓᏥᏍᎬᎢ
Some high schools are preparing students for jobs in a new, green economy.
By weaving traditional practices together with a new technology, Maine Indian Education is leading the transition to electric school buses in their community.
In Cherokee, North Carolina, the school bus operator has partnered with local and national organizations to bring the benefits of electric school buses to their area.
Through strong partnerships, tornado-prone Shawnee Public Schools District is using electric school buses to prepare for future emergencies while also providing a quieter ride for the community.
Resources
ESB Technology, Planning, and Research.
Photo by Nedahness Rose Greene
Tribe-specific information on ESB
Native Power
An Electric School Bus Exploratory
Tool for Tribal Communities
Funding Resources
ESB Contact
Please feel free to reach out to us for more information by emailing us.
