Jennifer Jones
Federally recognized tribal lands and resources offer opportunities for mutually beneficial development of new industries and energy resources. However, there are significant challenges that characterize Tribal lands – including siting, regulations, and community engagement, and Tribal sovereignty – with respect to new technological infrastructures. Data centers are fast and unknown infrastructure that will impact tribal communities and lands. Therefore, I ask, what are the drivers and challenges that Tribes must navigate with data center development? What are the energy implications Tribes must consider with data centers? To fill this knowledge gap, I will present a preliminary dissertation proposal that will outline key impacts and discussions points that will evaluate knowledge and engagement with data centers. This work closely aligns with the fourth theme, Infrastructure, of the summit. I am interested in understanding and gathering feedback on my research proposal from Indigenous leaders and scholars to better understand the drivers for community ownership of data centers and defining responsible energy generation as we navigate protection of our land and resources.