Spirit of the Sun (SOTS) is an Indigenous women-led nonprofit based in Denver, CO. Its mission is to empower Native communities through youth-focused work to stop nuclear power and oil refining and increase renewable energy. SOTS faces many challenges that disproportionately affect Indigenous, Black, Latinx, low-wealth, rural, and working families. Since 2002, it has been fighting against climate and environmental injustice. It also advocates for intersectional justice in politics, policy, and community organizing. SOTS focuses on empowering Native youth and young adults to boost their resilience. It works with diverse activists and residents to develop renewable energy in Colorado and stop development of nuclear power in Pueblo. It also fights against Suncor Energy oil refinement in Commerce City. SOTS is a powerful voice for just stewardship and responsible development in Colorado and across the nation.
Guided by their motto “Empowering native communities, one youth at a time,” SOTS offers extensive programming to do just that. The Youth Media Hub engages teens in creative digital storytelling through an Indigenous lens. Their Indigenous Science and Foodways Youth Leadership Program educates on resilient land stewardship, native foodways and growing practices, environmental justice, scientific innovation, soil building and water protection. Their Native and Indigenous Youth Mentorship Program connects youth with elders to build healthy, positive relationships based in trust and reciprocity. On behalf of young and old, SOTS also works to stop dirty energy and its devastating generational impacts, instead advocating for wiser investment in cheaper, safer renewables like solar and wind. In 2021, they organized public pressure to successfully stop development plans for nuclear power in Pueblo, home to Colorado’s largest greenhouse gas polluter.
