Canku Ota
	(Many Paths)
	An Online Newsletter Celebrating Native America
	June 16, 2001 - Issue 38
	Young People of the Gwich'in Nation Call a Gathering in Arctic Village, Alaska
	June 21-25, 2001

The Gwich'in Indians of northeast Alaska and northwest Canada met for the first time in hundreds of years back in June of 1988. The Chiefs, the Elders, and tribal members met with one goal in mind. They united in solidarity and in one voice to protect the Porcupine River Caribou Herd calving area in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge from oil development and exploration. Since then they have met every other year to reaffirm their commitment to permanent protection of their ancient culture. Since the first gathering, the Gwich'in Steering Committee has carried out all of the Elders and Chiefs directions and we did very well on keeping the oil companies at bay. Now, because of the Bush administration's threat to our very being we must come together again to strategize and build our resistance and to take further directions from our Elders.		CALL TO ACTION STOP PRESIDENT BUSH'S PLAN TO DRILL FOR OIL IN THE ARCTIC NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SUPPORT THE GWICH'IN NATIVE PEOPLES AND DEFEND THEIR HUMAN RIGHTS! SAVE THE CARIBOU AND THE ARCTIC REFUGE
The young people of the Gwich'in Nation called a meeting in Arctic Village, Alaska June 21st to 25th to discuss in length and depth the current threat that is heating up in Congress. We are in a state of urgency. Because of the impact oil drilling will have on the future of our young generation it is imperative that we gather at this time to build our strength and pride as a people and as a community. We must address these important issues now. The first day will be dedicated to the honor of the Episcopal Church because of their undying support of the Gwich'in. The remainder of the agenda will be decided by the Gwich'in Chiefs, the Arctic Village Council, the Gwich'in Steering Committee, and the chosen young people with guidance of Evon Peter, Chief of Arctic Village. Prayers of thanks will be given by respected community leader, Trimble Gilbert of Arctic Village, our Episcopal Minister and Elder. All Nations and Friends of the Gwich'in are welcome. All Elders, all leaders, all young people and everyone who wants to come will be welcome as well as the PRESS. There will absolutely be NO drugs or alcohol permitted at our gathering. This will be a non-violent demonstration. We expect a huge turnout. Out of respect for the community of Arctic Village we would like you to register early and be counted. We will have limited housing and food. We ask you to help by coming well equipped with tent and portable camping gear. Please be prepared for the most isolated Indian community in our time and era. The cold weather is also very unpredictable so be prepared with warm boots and hats. We ask you to please bring snacks, and small cash. This is our gathering and we want you to feel welcome and become educated on our culture. Shalak Naii (All my relations) We will see you there!! For more information contact: Julie Hollandsworth 907-587-6269 or Sarah James 907-587-5315 fax 907-587-5128 or email sarahjamesav@hotmail.com or The Gwich'in Steering Committee 127 1st Avenue Fairbanks, AK 99701 Phone 907-458-8264 Fax 907-458-8265 or email gwichin1@alaska.net or gwichin2@alaska.net
Locate Arctic Village on the Map!!
www.expedia.com

Indigenous Environmental Network International Indian Treaty Council Greenaction for Health and Environmental Justice CALL TO ACTION STOP PRESIDENT BUSH'S PLAN TO DRILL FOR OIL IN THE ARCTIC NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SUPPORT THE GWICH'IN NATIVE PEOPLES AND DEFEND THEIR HUMAN RIGHTS! SAVE THE CARIBOU AND THE ARCTIC REFUGE The Indigenous Environmental Network, the International Indian Treaty Council and Greenaction issue this call to action to stop George W. Bush's plan to drill for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Oil drilling in this beautiful area would violate the human rights of the Gwich'in Native Peoples, would pollute the pristine wilderness of the Arctic Refuge, and would threaten the survival of the porcupine caribou and the Gwich'in. We ask organizations from all walks of life to sign the Statement of Support for the Gwich'in in their fight against the proposed oil drilling. We will deliver this statement to the Gwich'in on June 22, 2001 in Arctic Village, Alaska. We will also send it to President George W. Bush and Congress to demand they drop this oil drilling plan now. Tell the White House: No Oil Drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge White House phone (202) 456-1111, 456-1414; fax (202) 456-2461 email: president@whitehouse.gov Please send us your endorsement of this letter by email or fax: email: ien@igc.org Fax: (218) 751-0561 Please add our organization to the Statement of Support (listed below) for the Gwich'in People: No Oil Drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Organization: Signatory and title: Address: Phone: Fax: Email: STATEMENT OF SUPPORT FOR THE GWICH'IN PEOPLE NO OIL DRILLING IN THE ARCTIC NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE We the undersigned declare our support for the Gwich'in People in opposition to the proposal to drill for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. We pledge to help stop the proposed oil drilling which would pollute the Arctic Refuge, desecrate sacred land, and threaten the survival of the porcupine caribou herd and the Gwich'in People. For tens of thousands of years the Gwich'in - the Caribou People - have lived in harmony with the caribou. The plan to drill for oil in the Arctic Refuge is an unacceptable violation of the human rights of the Gwich'in. The oil companies and the Bush Administration have no right to destroy the way of life, culture, environment and economic subsistence of the Gwich'in People. We raise our voices in protest as President Bush, Vice-President Cheney and their oil company friends attempt to promote this oil drilling plan. We stand united with the Gwich'in in defense of human rights, wildlife, and the beautiful wilderness in the Arctic Refuge.

Indigenous Environmental Network http://www.ienearth.org

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