DOCSLIB.ORG

The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Contains

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Contains Gwich'in Booklet 9/19/03 8:16 AM Page 13 , e Gwich'in Booklet 9/19/03 8:10 AM Page 2 GSC file photo he Gwich’in Nation of Northeast Alaska and Northwest What befalls the caribou befalls the Gwich’in. We have TCanada have a unified longstanding position to seek an obligation to our future generations to uphold the permanent protection of “Iizhik Gwats’an Gwandaii integrity of our spiritual beliefs as well as our ancestral way Goodlit” The Sacred Place Where Life Begins, the coastal of life that has been handed down one generation to the plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The coastal next. plain is the primary birthplace and nursery for the We have a modern hunting culture with traditional ties Porcupine Caribou Herd where 40-50,000 calves are born. to the animals and the land. Our villages have modern The herd is 123,000 strong. Our Gwich’in villages are schools, post offices, administrative council offices, health strategically located along the migratory paths of the care facilities, laundromats, and some Gwich’in villages caribou, and the area where we live is virtually within the even have solar powered facilities. At first glance, one may same range as the caribou. not see the deeply held traditional values guiding life in The Gwich’in rely on the Porcupine Caribou Herd to the villages. meet our essential physical, cultural, social, economic and spiritual needs. The caribou has provided for our clothing, The Gwich’in have the inherent right to continue tools, weapons, shelter, medicines and nutritional needs. our own way of life; and this right is recognized and The Gwich’in Nation is comprised of approximately 8,000 affirmed by civilized nations in the international people who live in fifteen isolated communities. Reliance on traditional and customary use (now termed covenants on human rights. Article 1 of both the “subsistence”) of the Porcupine Caribou Herd is a matter of International Covenant of Civil and Political Rights, survival. Beyond the importance of our basic needs, the and the International Covenant on Economic, Social caribou is also central to our traditional spirituality. Our and Cultural Rights read in part: songs and dances tell of the relationship that we have to the caribou. The caribou is a part of us. "…In no case may a people be deprived of their own In our Creation story, it has been told that the means of subsistence." Gwich’in came from the caribou when there was a separation of humans from the animals. We have been told This fabric of our subsistence culture and livelihood that there was an agreement between the caribou and the exists in a deeper manifestation which time spent with us Gwich’in. From that time on… reveals. “The Gwich’in would retain a part of Our relationship with the caribou mirrors that of the Plains Indians to the buffalo, and we fear that the the caribou heart and the caribou Porcupine Caribou Herd will go the way of the buffalo. We would retain a part of the Gwich’in cannot allow this to happen- our future is dependent on heart…” the future of the Porcupine Caribou Herd. 1 Gwich'in Booklet 9/19/03 8:10 AM Page 3 Gwich’in Nation Takes a Stand n 1988, the increasing threat of proposed oil and way”. The elders also appointed two representatives I gas development on the coastal plain of the Arctic from each region to serve on the Gwich’in Steering National Wildlife Refuge led our elders to call upon Committee Board of Directors: Jonathon the Chiefs to hold a traditional gathering (Gwich’in Solomon, Fort Yukon; Sarah James, Arctic Niintsyaa) to discuss this threat and make a Village; Ernest Erick, Venetie; Kay Wallis, Fort decision for the future of our Nation. The Gwich’in Yukon; Johnny Charlie, Fort McPherson; Gladys Niintsyaa, held in Arctic Village, was the first Netro, Old Crow; Norma Kassi, Old Crow and reunification of the Gwich’in Nation in over a Alestine Andre, Arctic Red River. Johnny Charlie century. We addressed this issue in our traditional has passed away and Alestine Andre resigned to way and agreed unanimously to speak with one attend school. In 2003, Elaine Alexie of Fort voice in opposition to oil and gas development in McPherson began serving on the board. the birthplace and nursery grounds of the Porcupine Over the past fifteen years, the staff, board, and Caribou Herd. To accomplish this task, our volunteers of the Gwich’in Steering Committee have communities established the Gwich’in Steering succeeded in working on a grassroots level to Committee and mandated the organization to educate the public and decision-makers of the many represent the interests of the Gwich’in Nation in the reasons why this sacred area must be protected. We Arctic Refuge debate. The elders urged the Gwich’in feel strongly that much of our achievments are a Steering Committee to adopt this political position, direct result of the continuing wisdom and guidance further directing us to educate people in “a good provided to us by our elders. Gwich’in Niintsyaa Resolution to Prohibit Development in the Calving and Post-Calving Grounds of the Porcupine Caribou Herd WHEREAS: WHEREAS: For thousands of years our ancestors, the Gwich’in The health and productivity of the Porcupine Caribou Herd, Athabascan Indians of northeast Alaska and northwest and their availability to Gwich’in communities, and the very Canada, have relied on caribou for subsistence, and continue future of our people are endangered by proposed oil and gas today to subsist on the Porcupine Caribou Herd which is exploration and development in the calving and post-calving essential to meet the nutritional, cultural and spiritual needs grounds in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge-Coastal Plain; of our people; and and WHEREAS: WHEREAS: The Gwich’in have the inherent right to continue our own The entire Gwich’in Nation was called together by our chiefs way of life; and that this right is recognized and affirmed by in Arctic Village June 5-10 to carefully address this issue and civilized nations in the international covenants on human to seek the advice of our elders; and rights. Article 1 of both the International Covenant of Civil WHEREAS: and Political Rights, and the International Covenant on The Gwich’in people of every community from Arctic Village, Economic, Social and Cultural Rights read in part: Venetie, Fort Yukon, Beaver, Chalkyitsik, Birch Creek, Stevens "…In no case may a people be deprived of their own Village, Circle, and Eagle Village in Alaska; from Old Crow, means of subsistence." and Fort McPherson, Arctic Red River, Aklavik, and Inuvik in Canada have reached consensus in our traditional way, and now speak with a single voice. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: That the United States Congress and President recognize the rights of our Gwich’in people to continue to live our way of life by prohibiting development in the calving and post-calving grounds of the Porcupine Caribou Herd; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That the 1002 area of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge be made Wilderness to achieve this end. Passed unanimously this 10th day of June 1988 by the Chiefs and people of the Gwich’in Nation in Arctic Village, Alaska. © Roy Corral 2 Gwich'in Booklet 9/19/03 8:10 AM Page 4 A Spiritual and Moral Violation of a Sacred Place "This issue is so important to the Church because it is both an environmental issue and a human rights issue. Oil exploration threatens both the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and the Gwich’in People. We cannot accept development at the expense of the Refuge and the Gwich’in. In this regard, this Porcupine Caribou Herd is to our generation what the Buffalo was to an earlier generation: Will greed triumph over our deepest values as a people ? Will we trade our values and 100 years of moral development for a few days of profit? Our heritage or faith, freedom, and fairness demand more. We must stand with the Gwich’in against oil development." --Bishop Mark McDonald, Episcopal Diocese of Alaska © Ken Whitten estcott estcott © Masako Cordray W © Masako Cordray W he Gwich’in rightfully claim a spiritual connection to areas, nesting areas and denning areas as special places TIizhik Gwatsan Gwandaii Goodlit which translates that must not be disturbed. Our culture has beliefs in to “The Sacred Place Where Life Begins.” This place was the ancient ties of kinship and spiritual bonds between set aside by the Creator as a place that brings forth life, ourselves and animals. We honor and uphold the wisdom and this place deserves to be respected as a sacred place. of our ancient spiritual values and laws. To the Gwich’in To the Gwich’in,when the animals give birth, it is Nation, the Arctic Refuge represents a spiritual umbilical considered a sacred time, and because of this no one cord for the animals that rely upon it for birthing and ought to intrude during that time. Indigenous Peoples nursing their young. have traditional laws that respect birthplaces, spawning 3 Gwich'in Booklet 9/19/03 8:10 AM Page 5 Iizhik Gwats’an Gwandaii Goodlit-The Sacred Place Where Life Begins IEN pledges to help stop any oil drilling that would desecrate sacred lands and threaten the survival of the Porcupine Caribou Herd and the Gwich’in." --Tom Goldtooth, Indigenous Environmental Network he Arctic National Wildlife Refuge contains Arctic Refuge Chronology Tthe greatest diversity of animal life of any conservation area in the circumpolar region. The • 1960 - President Eisenhower established the Arctic coastal plain of the Arctic Refuge, where oil drilling has National Wildlife Range, which included the coastal been proposed, is home to the largest concentrations of plain lands.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Arctic National Wildlife Refuge: the First 50, a Historic Symposium
    Edited by: Steve Chase and Mark Madison 2 Acknowledgments and Sponsors Arctic 50th Historical Special thanks to: Clayton McBride Symposium Planning Team Todd Harless Geoff Haskett, LaVerne Smith, Keith Mantheiy Jay Slack, Director, National and Todd Logan, U.S Fish and Thelma Flynn Conservation Training Center, Wildlife Service, Region 7, Mike Beth Ann Ring U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Boylan, Richard Voss, Larry Bell Laura Creamer Becky Edgar Steve Chase, Chief, Division of Marca Piehuta Education Outreach, National Georgia Jeppesen Conservation Training Center, Sponsors Dawn Lagrotteria U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Alicha Burlett Kerrick Reisbig Dr. Mark Madison, Service Historian, National Conservation Gail Testa National Conservation Training Training Center Andrew Weinberg Center, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service George Krull Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Ben German Jimmy Fox, Region 7, U.S. Tara Lowe Fish and Wildlife Service The Conservation Fund Cynthia Fraula-Hahn David Klinger Maureen Clark, Arctic 50th Voices of the South Shepherd University Department of Coordinator, Region 7, U.S. Contemporary Art and Theater Fish and Wildlife Service Patrick Wallace American Conservation Film Festival Sarah Gannon-Nagle, Strategic And for their efforts and support NCTC ARAMARK Staff Communications Manager, National of this symposium, thanks to: NCTC Raven Services Staff Conservation Training Center, NCTC Security Staff U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service All of our speakers Jay Slack Thelma Flynn, Event Planner, Jim Willis National Conservation Training Kelly Kennedy Center, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Rollie Jacobs Beth Stevens Dr. Jim Siegel, National Christine Eustis Conservation Training Center, Karin Christensen U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • Journals of the Yukon Legislative Assembly Second Session of the 30Th Legislature
    - 243 - No. 96 VOTES AND PROCEEDINGS of the YUKON LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY 30th Legislative Assembly Second Session Thursday, April 4, 2002 The Speaker took the Chair at 1:00 p.m. INTRODUCTION OF PAGES The Speaker informed the Assembly that Paula Mowat, Daniel Murray, Shirley Ng and David Warkentin from Vanier Catholic Secondary School and Rhonda Clark, Sarah Macklon, Leena Tran and Elaine Grant-Verrico from F.H. Collins Secondary School would be serving as Pages during the Spring Sitting. Rhonda Clark and Elaine Grant-Verrico were introduced and welcomed to the House. RESIGNATION OF DEPUTY CHAIR OF COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE The Speaker informed the Assembly that the Hon. Cynthia Tucker, Member for Mount Lorne, had notified the Speaker, the Premier, the Leader of the Official Opposition, the Leader of the Third Party, and all House Leaders in writing that, due to her appointment to Cabinet on January 14, 2002, she had resigned from her position as Deputy Chair of Committee of the Whole. SPEAKER’S STATEMENT (Changes to the Order Paper) Prior to proceeding with Daily Routine, the Speaker informed the House of changes made to the Order Paper. Due to the appointment of the Members for Mount Lorne and Faro as Ministers, Motion numbers 33, 40, 47, 68, 76, 98, 100, 107, 109, 114, 122, 127, 138, 144, 147, 156, 160, 167, 171, 172 and 178 standing in their names under Motions Other Than Government Motions were removed from the Order Paper. Government Motion #78 was removed from the Order Paper following the removal from Cabinet of the Member for Porter Creek.
    [Show full text]
  • ARCTIC Natioi~AL \Vildllfe R:EFUGE
    ARCTIC NATIO i~AL \VILDLlFE R:EFUGE Fairbanks, Alaslia ~ ~ .. ~....... • AL~NUAL NARRATIVE REPOR"f- ., ,':, .. ~...... Calend~n· Year 199'3 ': lJ_nited Stat ~ s Department of the_Interior Fish and Wildlife Service NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SYSTEM ARCTIC NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE Fairbanks, Alaska ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT Calendar Year 1993 United States Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SYSTEM REVIEW AND APPROVALS ARCfiC NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE Fairbanks, Alaska ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT Calendar Year 1993 ~Refuge Manager Date INfRODUCTION Size Arctic National Wildlife Refuge includes nearly 19.8 million acres, including 8 million acres of wilderness. The Refuge spans more than 200 miles west to east from the Trans-Alaska pipeline corridor to Canada, and 200 miles north to south from the Beaufort Sea to the Venetie Indian Tribal Lands and the Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge. Geography Major land forms include coastal plain, the Brooks Mountain Range and boreal forest areas south of the Brooks Range. Beginning on offshore barrier islands or at the Beaufort Sea coast where islands are not present, the Refuge extends south, including lagoon areas along much of the coast, encompassing the mostly treeless coastal plain, a relatively narrow strip of rolling tundra to the Brooks Mountain Range, located 8-50 miles from the Beaufort Sea coast. The mountain range extends roughly east to west, bisecting the Refuge and creating a natural north-south division. The Refuge includes the four tallest peaks (led by Mt. Isto, 9049 ft.) and the only extensive glaciation in the Brooks Range. The mostly hilly and mountainous south side is cut by numerous stream and river valleys dominated by sub-arctic boreal forest of spruce, birch and willow.
    [Show full text]
  • Coastal Plain Oil and Gas Leasing Program
    1 1 COASTAL PLAIN OIL AND GAS LEASING PROGRAM 2 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT 3 PUBLIC SCOPING MEETING 4 5 Taken June 12, 2018 Commencing at 9:30 a.m. 6 Pages 1 - 88, inclusive 7 8 9 Taken at Community Hall 10 Venetie, Alaska 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Reported by: Mary A. Vavrik, RMR 21 22 23 24 25 MIDNIGHT SUN COURT REPORTERS (907) 258-7100 2 1 A-P-P-E-A-R-A-N-C-E-S 2 For United States Department of Interior: 3 Joe Balash Assistant Secretary 4 Mike Gieryic 5 Solicitor 6 For United States Department of Interior, Bureau of Land Management: 7 Karen Mouritsen 8 Acting State Director 9 Nicole Hayes Project Manager 10 For United States Department of Interior, Department of 11 Fish & Wildlife Service: 12 Greg Siekaniec Alaska Regional Director 13 Hollis Twitchell 14 Natural Resource Specialist 15 For EMPSi: 16 Chad Ricklefs Project Manager 17 Amy Lewis 18 Public Involvement Lead 19 Taken by: 20 Mary A. Vavrik, RMR 21 BE IT KNOWN that the aforementioned proceedings were taken 22 at the time and place duly noted on the title page, before 23 Mary A. Vavrik, Registered Merit Reporter and Notary 24 Public within and for the State of Alaska. 25 MIDNIGHT SUN COURT REPORTERS (907) 258-7100 3 1 P-R-O-C-E-E-D-I-N-G-S 2 MS. KAREN MOURITSEN: Hello, everyone. 3 Thank you for being here. We are going to get started. I 4 think you all can hear me, right? Okay.
    [Show full text]
  • Highlights Report
    ARCTIC HEALTH RESEARCH NETWORK-YUKON HIGHLIGHTS REPORT 2007 – 2011 Authors: Jody Butler Walker, Norma Kassi, Katelyn Friendship, Bree Blottner, Marilyn Van Bibber Photo Credits: AHRN-YT team © Arctic Health Research Network-Yukon, 2011 Suggested citation: Butler Walker, J., N. Kassi, K. Friendship, B. Blottner, M. Van Bibber. 2011. Arctic Health Research Network-Yukon Highlights Report 2007-2011. Whitehorse, Yukon. 54 pgs. ISBN 978-0-9809736-5-5 For more information, please visit our website: www.arctichealthyukon.ca #209 – 100 Main Street Whitehorse, Yukon, Y1A 2A7 Canada Tel: (867) 668-3393 2 Table of Contents Executive Summary…………………………………………………....6 Current Projects………………………………………………………...7 Funders………………………………………………………………….8 Background to the Arctic Health Research Network.……………....9 Who We Are.……………………………………………………….....13 How We Operate.………………………………………….……........17 What We Do: Yukon-based Actions and Activities.....….…….......21 Publications.……………………………………………………….......33 Who We’ve Worked With.………….………….………………….….35 Next Steps..…………………………………………………………....39 AHRN-YT Biographies..……………………………………………....41 3 4 Welcome! It is our pleasure to welcome you to this summary of activities of the Arctic Health Research Network-Yukon (AHRN-YT) from when it was established in February 2007 until the Fall of 2011. Our organization has grown and evolved since we began to better meet the research needs of northern communities. In response, AHRN-YT is now transitioning into the Arctic Institute for Community-Based Research: For Northern Health and
    [Show full text]
  • Letter from Teachers and Scholars Comment: We Recently Organized a Letter Campaign Called Arctic Refuge Protectors: an Open Letter from Scholars and Teachers
    Comment Submission Names and Addresses Finis Dunaway Peterborough, Ontario K9J 6B2 Canada Subhankar Banerjee Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131 United States Comments Comment Number: 1 Comment Title: Arctic Refuge Protectors: An Open Letter from Teachers and Scholars Comment: We recently organized a letter campaign called Arctic Refuge Protectors: An Open Letter from Scholars and Teachers. Our letter has been endorsed by more than 400 teachers and scholars from across the United States, Canada, and other parts of the world. (The full text of the letter and the list of signatories is attached as a PDF.) Scientists have repeatedly warned that oil drilling in the Coastal Plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge would have catastrophic impacts on the region's ecosystems and wildlife. One distinctive feature of this letter is that it has been supported not only by scientists, but by teachers and scholars representing a wide range of fields, including History, Art, Philosophy, International Development, and Indigenous Studies. This is because, as the letter explains, the Arctic Refuge issue encompasses science, ethics, and justice. Teachers and scholars from across the continent and around the world do not want to see the Coastal Plain turned into an oil field. This letter signals a robust record of national and international opposition to Arctic drilling. Fossil fuel development in the Coastal Plain would devastate an Arctic nursery of global significance. It would violate human rights, jeopardize food security, and threaten the health and safety of Indigenous communities. It would contribute to the escalating crises of climate change and biological annihilation. The Arctic Refuge is an irreplaceable ecological treasure.
    [Show full text]