By Stacy Thacker, University of Montana

The Navajo Nation is looking into becoming part of a grid connection project that would allow solar energy and other forms of electricity to come to the Navajo Nation.

While this won't be the first advancement in the technology it is a much bigger opportunity for the tribe to make money off of electricity and could potentially become an important revenue source according to a CBS News article.

While I don't dabble in the business of what the tribe does (I can barely pass my introduction to business class) I do think this idea has potential.

If the Navajo Nation can bust through this and connect with the grid project, then opportunities for employment could rise and maybe there’s a chance more scholarship money would be available. OK, I may have my own agendas for this project but a girl can dream.

This opportunity to bring more electricity to the reservation is only a positive thing. There are so many people living without electricity let alone running water.

In December of 2011 many Navajos got electricity for the fist time in years. While the adjustment may be a little strange it’s still amazing to know that so many people are living without the basic necessities afforded to the rest of the reservation. If this project can bring Navajos out of the dark then I say go fourth with it, as long as the Navajo people are being helped.

I must say that I am constantly surprised by the Navajo Nation. There are solar and wind projects that are already in progress, I can't believe how "green" they want to go. Considering there is very little actual green on the reservation, it’s amazing to know that we still look back to our roots and appreciate our environment. There is more work to be done but the Navajo Nation is taking all the right steps in the right direction.

If President Ben Shelly can find the funds to proceed to becoming a partner in this project then the Navajo Nation will have a big lead in the race for renewable energy.

Stacy Thacker (Navajo) is from Navajo, N.M.