Schweitzer tells Indians to seize day – Governor says tribes can take lead in technology to produce clean energy

Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer told hundreds of American Indians Wednesday that they can be at the forefront of revolutionary clean energy technology, as gas prices push Americans to look for energy alternatives.

"It starts in Indian Country," he said in a speech at the 62nd annual convention of the National Congress of American Indians in Tulsa. "We have the energy. We have the young people. And, yes, we have the tribal colleges. It’s time for Indian Country to take the lead."

In Montana, the youngest population in the state is in Indian Country, he said. By investing in education for Indian children, Montana also could see a growth in the state’s high tech industry, he said.

The state also has the most coal resources on the planet, he said, and they are located on Indian reservations such as Fort Peck.

He encouraged wealthy investors attending the convention to consider investing in the state.

By DIANA MARRERO
Tribune Washington Bureau

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