Native Sun and Enterprise Energy to Launch Solar-Powered Educational Boat at Bde Maka Ska
Native-led nonprofit will unveil new electric vessel August 24 before showcasing it at the Minnesota State Fair’s Eco Experience.
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — August 24, 2026 — Native Sun Community Power Development will unveil a new solar-powered educational boat Monday, August 24, during a press event at Bde Maka Ska in Minneapolis. Designed as a hands-on platform for clean energy education, cultural connection, and community access to Minnesota’s waterways, the vessel will later be displayed at the Minnesota State Fair, outside the Eco Experience.
The boat is owned by Native Sun, a Minneapolis-based Native-led nonprofit focused on expanding opportunity through clean energy, education, and community engagement. Enterprise Energy, a Minneapolis-based clean energy company recently ranked the fastest-growing company in Minnesota on the 2026 Inc. 5000, supported the project through its ongoing partnership with Native Sun.
Native Sun purchased the solar-powered boat using proceeds from the organization's clean energy workforce development partnership, transforming that work into a new resource for youth, families, and communities across Minnesota.
Built by Minnetonka-based manufacturer Nomadic, the vessel is equipped with a 400-watt solar array, a 10-kilowatt-hour battery, and a 1-kilowatt-max electric motor. The system integrates solar generation, battery storage, and electric propulsion together in a working vessel that participants can see and experience firsthand.
Native Sun plans to use the boat to provide free rides and educational experiences for Indigenous youth and other underserved young people. Programming aboard the vessel will introduce participants to clean energy technology, electric transportation and career pathways while creating space to learn about Indigenous culture and the history and significance of Minnesota’s lakes and waterways.
The project builds on a broader partnership between Native Sun and Enterprise Energy focused on creating pathways into the clean energy industry for people and communities that have historically had less access to opportunities within the sector.
A Design Rooted in Sun, Water and Culture
The vessel’s design reflects a cultural story that extends beyond the technology powering it.
At the center of the boat’s artwork is Mishipeshu, or Mishibizhiw - the “Great Lynx” or “Underwater Panther” - a powerful manitou associated with the waters of the Great Lakes and surrounding region.
Native Sun’s design concept places Mishibizhiw at the intersection of sun, water and energy. Electrified waves move throughout the artwork while Native Sun’s sun icon serves as a source of energy for the water, fish and Mishibizhiw itself.
Together, the imagery connects the boat’s solar and electric technology to a larger story about water, energy, culture, and the relationship between people and Mother Earth.
The result is a vessel designed to function not only as an educational tool, but also as a highly visible expression of Indigenous culture and the possibilities of clean technology.
“Ambe, bimiskaadaa!” - Come on, let’s ride/paddle along!
August 24 Launch at Bde Maka Ska
Native Sun and Enterprise Energy will officially introduce the solar-powered boat at Bde Maka Ska in Minneapolis on Monday, August 24.
The event will bring together representatives from Native Sun and Enterprise Energy, community partners, invited guests, and members of the media for the vessel’s public debut. Attendees will have an opportunity to see the boat up close, learn about the technology and artwork behind it, hear about the partnership that made the project possible, and participate in demonstration rides.
Following the Bde Maka Ska launch, the boat will also be featured at the Minnesota State Fair, where visitors can find it outdoors on the west side of the Eco Experience.
Additional details regarding the specific Bde Maka Ska gathering location and event time will be provided to media and invited attendees.
About Native Sun Community Power Development
Native Sun Community Power Development is a Minneapolis-based, Native-led nonprofit working to expand opportunity through clean energy, education, workforce development and community engagement. Its work connects Indigenous communities and other historically underserved populations with emerging technologies, career pathways and culturally grounded educational experiences.
About Enterprise Energy
Enterprise Energy is a Minneapolis-based, Minnesota-owned clean energy company developing solar and battery storage projects across the United States. The company works with communities, landowners, and industry partners to expand participation in the clean energy economy and create new opportunities within the growing energy sector.
