Firewood and Energy Sovereignty on Navajo Nation

Abstract

Climate-induced drought jeopardizes future access to sufficient energy sources for many people reliant on firewood, especially those underrepresented in forest management decision-making. To identify where interventions might be most effective in facilitating self-determination and sustained firewood harvest, we investigate the case of Diné firewood harvesters. Using data from surveys, interviews and participant observations, we articulate who uses firewood and why, what the costs of firewood are, and who imposes those costs. Reducing both the cost and need for firewood for the Diné and others would support energy sovereignty by facilitating sustained access to firewood.

The impacts of climate change, energy policy and traditional ecological practices on future firewood availability for Diné (Navajo) People

“…For example, the reservation system distances people from traditional lands, and government systems (such as state and federal land management) frequently further disenfranchises people. The legal requirement for firewood permits is one example [32]. Firewood (chizh in Diné) is an important aspect of the energy economy of Diné, providing a medium for participation in local ecology-mediated through IEK-as well as a primary source of household energy.…”

“…Successive waves of Euro-American expansion into the region spurred ever-increasing limits on access to traditional lands for Indigenous people, enforced by numerous colonial practices. These practices include many codified by varying levels of non-Indigenous governments (for a more expansive treatment of this history, see [ 32 ]). Although IEK continues to evolve, the ability of IEK practitioners to fully exercise this knowledge is constrained by a suite of structurally discriminatory social geographies, policies and practices.…”

“…For example, the reservation system distances people from traditional lands, and government systems (such as state and federal land management) frequently further disenfranchises people. The legal requirement for firewood permits is one example [ 32 ].…”

“…Energy is a key resource often exported from Native lands while community members themselves struggle to meet energy needs due to a combination of historically forced reliance on-and disenfranchisement from-industrialized energy systems, particularly (but not limited to) fossil fuels [29][30][31]. Energy is intertwined with issues of access, traditional cultural practice and knowledge, and continuing fights to achieve energy sovereignty [30][31][32]. Community-based adaptations are diverse, and often include weaving the application of new technologies with longheld knowledge and practice.…”

“…Firewood and charcoal are an important source of traditional energy that roughly a third of the world relies on [ 33 ]. Importantly, firewood is fundamental to IEK-based practices and Indigenous self-determination [ 32 , 34 , 35 ]. And, critically, the woodlands upon which individuals rely are threatened by climate change [ 36 , 37 ].…”