Coverage of the Prairie Island Nuclear Power Plant often is produced by non-indigenous writers and newspapers. However, as a point in furthering equity in representation, it is essential to highlight indigenous voices in coverage of Prairie Island Nuclear Plant. Bringing attention to indigenous testimony and perspective empowers native communities, allowing them to have control over their own story.
Native Broadcasting , Indian Country Today (ICT), covers the ever looming threat of nuclear energy produced in Prairie Island.
- Strong villainization of the nuclear plant
- Centers fear as the arching emotion connected to nuclear power
- Establishes idea of nuclear energy imposed on Prairie Island
- Emphasizes on inescapable nature of the nuclear plant with only one exit off the island in case of emergency
- Details the history of federal “invasion” on the Prairie Island community and how financial strain has impacted these relationships
However, despite the enduring conflict over Prairie Islands nuclear relations, there is also an increasing movement to use these challenges to propel clean energy in Prairie Island.
- Xcel Energy annual payment to the Prairie Island community set to increase from $2.5 million to $10 million
- Attempt to provide compensation for tumultuous history of nuclear energy and continued storage of nuclear waste so close to reservation
- Introduces Net Zero Project: aims to eliminate/ offset carbon emissions produces across the community
- Improving energy efficiency, renewable energy generation, and electrification
Much of the indigenous coverage of Prairie Island is older, due to the longstanding contentions and historic distrust of the nuclear plants construction and maintenance. From wrenching testimonies from indigenous youth which argue “Our Homes are not Dumps” to movements to “Righting an Environmental Injustice”, Indigenous voices give embodiment to their communities resilience in the face of challenge.