Why We Care
For more than 10,000 years, the Gwich'in people have lived in harmony with the land we know today as Alaska and the Yukon. In 1960, some of the most ecologically rich parts of the Gwich'in peoples' ancestral homeland were set aside for protection and named the "Arctic National Wildlife Refuge." Since protections were established for the 30,000 square mile area, the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge has been under perpetual threat of losing its conservation status. That is because a provision of the Refuge's establishment stated the Coastal Plain area of the Refuge could be opened up at any time for oil exploration and drilling through an act of Congress.
For decades, faith communities have stood by the Gwich'in to help them defend the Coastal Plain from oil exploration and drilling. Gwich'in people call the Coastal Plain "the sacred place where life begins." The Coastal Plain is the birthing ground of the porcupine caribou herd, on which Gwich'in people depend for food and for spiritual wellbeing. Many Gwich'in people integrate traditional Gwich'in beliefs with Christian faith, and are active in the Episcopal Church. The Gwich'in have appealed to the Episcopal Church and other people of faith to stand with them, and we have answered their call. Learn more about Creation Justice's ongoing efforts at www.creationjustice.org/arctic. |
The Federal Budget Process:
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The best thing you can do to make a difference right now is call your US Senators. Call the Senate Switchboard at (202) 224-3121. From now until October 6, 2017, please also also sign a faith-rooted advocacy letter. Creation Justice Ministries will deliver your signature to your Senators and the Trump Administration.
Listen to the voices of the Gwich'in people, who are opposed to oil drilling, and struggling for their survival.
2 Comments
Denise Jurgens
10/8/2017 06:55:40 pm
This untouched wilderness deserves to be protected for all future generations! Gas and oil are the PAST! We need clean energy transitions NOW to save our planet! There is NO planet B!!!
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MikeB
12/4/2017 01:19:13 pm
ANWR is 19 million acres and you're afraid of drilling on 2 thousand acres. When the pipeline was built environmentalist said it would affect the migration of the caribou herds. That has proven false. Animals are more adaptive to their surroundings than people give them credit for. We've seen it here in Louisiana. There is a shooting range located in the middle of the Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Refuge, and it is not uncommon to see deer, wild hogs, coyotes and other wildlife roaming around on the range, even while shooting is going on. So take your poor, hurt feelings and go hug a tree.
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