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Indigenous Knowledge from Native Americans Solves Climate Change and Heals Communities: Meet Wahleah Johns, GlobalMindED Inclusive Leader Award Winner for Energy & Sustainability
Wahleah Johns, a trailblazing advocate for Indigenous communities is at the forefront of environmental justice and clean energy innovation. As the Director of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs, Wahleah leads transformative initiatives that bring renewable energy solutions to tribal nations, advancing economic self-determination and environmental stewardship.
What is your personal story? How did you find your purpose and your passion?
I was born and raised on the Navajo Nation. I am Salt clan, born for the Red Bottom people, my maternal grandparents are Many Goats clan and my paternal grandparents are Towering House clan. I come from an area called Tonizhoni, which means "beautiful water." Growing up, I attended nearby boarding schools while my grandmother raised sheep and wove beautiful rugs for a living. This early connection to both traditional ways and modern education shaped my understanding of our community's needs. Witnessing my community's challenges with energy access, while being surrounded by power plants that served distant cities, sparked my passion for energy justice and environmental stewardship.
What led you to the leadership role for which you are being recognized? Who was instrumental on your path to success?
I've dedicated over 20 years to Just Transition work, driven by my experiences in a coal mining community. As mines and power plants faced closure, I focused on building a regenerative economy that better reflects our values and traditions. My grandmother, Lorraine Johnson, was instrumental in teaching me the importance of being Diné – living in harmony with nature and serving as a steward of our land, water, and community. This foundation led me to co-found Native Renewables, working to provide solar power to Native American families, and ultimately to my role at the Department of Energy, where I have helped shape national energy policy to better serve tribal communities.
What does inclusive leadership mean to you and what would you like others to know and do as inclusive leaders?
Inclusive leadership means investing in people with direct experience partnering with communities to design solutions. It's about building capacity in local communities through workforce development and ensuring that decisions are made with, and not for them. Leaders must recognize that the most effective solutions come from those who understand their community's unique challenges, cultural values, and aspirations. True inclusion means creating pathways for traditionally overlooked voices to shape policy and implementation.
How can the GlobalMindED Inclusive Success Network inform, advance and/or multiply your mission and goals?
The network can help build a robust community of practice around place-based solutions, focusing on regenerative agriculture, clean energy, and green economic development. By connecting communities and sharing successful strategies, we can accelerate the adoption of sustainable practices while respecting local traditions and needs. This collaboration is essential for scaling solutions that work while maintaining cultural integrity.
What legacy would you most like to leave the world?
I want the world to recognize that Native American people carry the wisdom and knowledge essential to solving climate change and healing our communities. Our traditional practices of living in harmony with nature, combined with modern technology and innovation offer a powerful framework for addressing today's environmental challenges. The power to create positive change is in our own hands, and by bridging traditional knowledge with contemporary solutions, we can build a more sustainable and equitable future for all communities.
You can meet Wahleah Johns and the 14 other Honorees at the Inclusive Leader Awards Dinner on June 16th in Denver. Please read our newsletter each day as we continue to announce the 2025 Inclusive Leader Award Winners through January.
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