Native Movement Blog
Nughelnik: Remembering Forward : Conference May 20-22
The Alaska Just Transition Collective is excited to announce the second Just Transition Summit on May 20th-22nd, 2022 on Dena'ina Land in Anchorage, Alaska.
Nughelnik: Remembering Forward defines and explores collective healing through the lens of a Just Transition. We look forward to sharing space, celebrating togetherness, and grounding ourselves in our vision for a just path forward once again.
Nughelnik is a Dena'ina phrase that means "It is remembered within us". Thank you to Joel Issak & Helen Dick for this translation.
Follow along at justtransitionak.org for more updates, announcements, and application details
What is State Primacy Over Wetland Permitting and Why Is It a Problem?
The Dunleavy Administration is making a push in its budget proposal this year to take over wetland development permitting from the federal government. The proposed allocation of 4.9 million dollars in the Governor’s budget before the legislature would initiate a process where the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) would assume “primacy” from the federal Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) over permitting development activities that impact wetlands protected under section 404 of the Clean Water Act. This week, the House Finance committee included money for state primacy in its budget negotiation package. State primacy would be very problematic for many reasons.
Less Tribal consultation. Well-functioning and intact wetlands are critical to the protection of salmon, especially in their early stages of life. Wetlands and peatlands also serve a climate-protecting function, a major force in earthly carbon sequestration. Alaska Native peoples have been lovingly tending Alaska’s wetlands since time immemorial. Currently, with federal primacy, the federal government must conduct government-to-government consultation with Alaska Native Tribes regarding wetland permit decisions to seek input and mitigate impacts to the land and water on which Tribal members rely. While DEC is maintaining that it does and will consult with Tribes, the experience of Tribes who have been repeatedly requesting consultation and having those requests rejected belies this contention.
Less analysis and public participation. When the federal government permits a project, it is legally required to elicit public participation and analyze the environmental, cultural, and subsistence impacts of projects under several federal laws, including the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA). The NEPA analysis will no longer be required for wetlands if the state takes over permitting, which would remove an essential avenue for Tribal and public participation. It is not clear how NHPA and ANILCA analysis will occur under a state permitting regime.
Reduced ability to litigate bad decisions. Under state primacy, if the state acts unlawfully, citizens will be forced to litigate in state court, which has a loser pays rule. That means that in certain cases if a citizen brings a lawsuit in state court and loses on their claims, regardless how valid those claims are, the citizen will have to pay the attorneys’ fees of the other side. This rule significantly chills legitimate public interest litigation.
High cost to the state. Wetland permitting is expensive, and it’s not clear that the state has done its homework to determine how much wetland permitting would cost. Implementing this program will cost millions of dollars for a service the federal government is currently performing without cost to Alaska.
Easier to push through unpopular development. The Dunleavy Administration, DEC, and mine promoters want state primacy over wetland permitting to streamline the industrialization of areas like the Bristol Bay watershed. Unable to prevail in the court of public opinion or with the Federal EPA, the Dunleavy Administration is now attempting an end-run around both to permit the Pebble Mine.
If you’re concerned about state primacy over Alaska’s wetlands, you can contact the House Finance Committee, Senate Finance Committee, and your own senators and representatives. Let them know that state primacy is too costly from a financial perspective and that cutting out Tribal governments and chilling public participation in these critical decisions is unacceptable.
Nuclear Energy is a False Solution
Too Dirty. Too Dangerous. Too Expensive. Tell your legislators to vote NO on SB 177/HB 299, the micro nuclear reactors bill that would make it easier to bring costly, dangerous nuclear energy to Alaska.
On Monday, March 21, at 3 pm the Senate Resources Committee is holding a hearing on SB 177. This bill, which was introduced by Governor Dunleavy, encourages nuclear energy development in Alaska by eliminating the current statutory requirement that the legislature be involved in designating land for nuclear energy sites.
The entire nuclear fuel chain is dirty.
Uranium mining produces radioactive waste that causes cancer and other diseases, and a disproportionate number of mines in the US have been on Indigenous lands.
Uranium enrichment plants have a long history of leaks and spills and are located predominantly in Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color (BIPOC) communities.
Nuclear energy is dangerous, with spills and leaks of radioactive materials causing significant contamination and pollution.
Nuclear energy is more expensive than many renewables, and development is slow.
Hazardous nuclear waste must be stored in perpetuity, burdening future generations with the risk and responsibility of storing it.
Take Action >>> Use the Form below to send a letter to your Representatives
Herring Protectors Respond to Board of Fish Process
Herring Protectors are urging the Board of Fish to vote to reduce the harm being perpetrated against people and ecosystems that depend on herring.
Herring Protectors are urging the Board of Fish to vote to reduce the harm being perpetrated against people and ecosystems that depend on herring. But the State must recognize that it can’t solve the fundamental conflict at the heart of the Sac-Roe industry, except by returning control to the rightful stewards of these fish. Until then, there will be conflict, and great risk of continued herring collapse. It’s time to return to an approach with 10,000 years of proven history. Return stewardship of the herring to the people of Sheet’ka Kwaan.
Sitka Tribe of Alaska (STA) has proposed a few modest changes to this management regime: sound proposals that would result in more herring being left in Sitka Sound where they belong, to feed our communities and power our marine ecosystems. These proposals would especially protect the mature, females that guide reliable spawning behavior and keep herring coming back to Sitka year after year. But even if the Board adopts all of STA’s proposals, it won’t resolve the fundamental problem with this fishery, which is that culturally, ecologically, economically significant forage fish simply shouldn’t be ground into fish meal.
On the other hand, the Sac-Roe/fishmeal industry has submitted several proposals attempting to limit subsistence access, while aggressively trying to remove the guardrails to their own industry at the expense of subsistence users and the larger ecosystem that our communities and other commercial fisheries rely on. We urge the Board of Fish to stand with the people of Sheet’ka Kwaan (Sitka) and support the on-the-ground community members who rely on the herring.
The Herring Protectors invite members of the Anchorage Press to join us at the Egan Convention Center at 3pm on Saturday March 12th for a response to the Board’s votes and deliberations on Herring Proposals.
It’s Time to Build Alaska’s Prosperous Future
“ Once every Alaskan has the ability to engage in the global digital economy, our state will flourish”
Op-Ed Published ADN, March 4, 2022 Written by Ruth Łchav’aya K’isen Miller, the Climate Justice Director for Native Movement, raised in Dgheyay Kaq’ (Anchorage). Margi Dashevsky, the Regenerative Economies Coordinator for the Fairbanks Climate Action Coalition, raised in Tanan (Fairbanks).
Alaska and the world are changing rapidly. In the face of COVID, climate change and economic uncertainty it’s time to do what Alaskans do best: come together and support our neighbors. Alaskans are harnessing local ingenuity for economic, ecological and social well-being while providing stable, quality livelihoods. Alaska Native communities are especially well-poised to inform new ways with old wisdoms, leading with the cultural wealth and knowledge of millennia of relationship with Alaska’s lands and waters. The following real-life innovations, already underway, cross diverse economic sectors and regions of our state in renewable energy, food production, ecotourism, broadband and workforce development — visit AKNextEconomy.com to read more and connect.
Energy
Clean and affordable energy is good for us, our pocketbooks and the planet. “Alaska’s natural, renewable energy resource endowment is three times larger than the entire United States energy consumption. The benefits of accelerating transition to develop those natural resources include jobs, lower energy prices, higher energy security,” said Mark Foster, MAFA Energy Consulting.
Food
The Alaska Food Hub provides an easy place to buy local food, “like a virtual farmer’s market,” according to Robbi Mixon, also with the Alaska Food Policy Council. Plus, shopping locally is a great way to boost our economy: For every dollar spent at Alaskan-owned businesses, three times more value is retained in Alaska.
Alaska Native kelp farmers are showing how an emerging ocean kelp farming industry harvests social and ecological returns on investment. A recent proposal projects that kelp can become a $100 million industry per year. “Kelp is a super food that is excellent for our bodies and has significant benefits for the planet,” said Skye Steritz, a kelp farmer at Noble Ocean Farms.
Tourism
The COVID-19 pandemic highlights the importance of a homegrown tourism industry that caters to independent travelers, while keeping profits in Alaska. “Regenerative tourism is a holistic approach to tourism. It proactively works to improve ecosystems, elevate local economies and promote meaningful and responsible visitor experiences” said Mary Goddard, who works as a Regional Catalyst at Allen Marine.
Broadband internet
The Akiak Native Community is now providing high-speed internet to their village and is helping other tribes do the same. Even just a 1% increase in Alaskan broadband could mean $67.7 million for our economy and 1,890 new jobs. “Once every Alaskan has the ability to engage in the global digital economy, our state will flourish,” said Brittany Woods-Orrisson, with Alaska Public Interest Research Group and Native Movement.
Job training
Workforce development can smooth the shift away from resource extraction and ensure that Alaskans have good-paying jobs. Apprenticeships offer an avenue for worker education for “those journeymen to be able to build the necessary jobs in the energy sectors,” said Ryan Andrew, Assistant Business Manager at International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) 1547.
Climate change threatens our economy with floods, landslides, fires, coastal erosion, infrastructure failure and declining fisheries. Alaska’s dependence on resource extraction and deference to large corporate interests may have brought a rapid influx of wealth to some over the past 50 years, but did so at the expense of economic diversity and stability, not to mention the health of Alaska’s lands, waters, and communities. These industries constrain our state. As we reduce greenhouse gas emissions across all sectors of our economy, we make space to create a sustainable and flourishing economy.
These are just some of the ways Alaskans already lead the way toward a prosperous Alaskan economy that will enable future generations to enjoy the ways of life we cherish. We are ready to build an economy that is sustainable, equitable and thriving for all Alaskans.
What is Just Transition?
Just Transition is a framework for a fair shift to an economy that is ecologically sustainable, equitable and just for all Alaskans. After centuries of global plunder, the profit-driven, growth-dependent, industrial economy is severely undermining the life support systems of the planet. The current economy based on extracting from a finite system faster than the capacity of the system to regenerate will eventually come to an end—either through collapse or through our intentional re-organization. >>Read more from the Alaska Just Transition Collective << and visit www.AKNextEconomy.com
Protect 2S/LGBTQ Alaskan Students
Our legislators should be PROTECTING 2S/LGBTQ Alaskan students, NOT causing them further harm
The Alaska Senate Education Committee will have its first hearing of the year on Senate Bill 140 — an anti-trans bill that would prevent a trans student being able to pick a sports team that matches their gender.
SB 140 is yet another bill in a nationwide anti-trans state legislation campaign that has negatively impacted the mental health of 85% of 2S/LGBTQ youth across the country. Our legislators should be PROTECTING 2S/LGBTQ Alaskan students, NOT causing them further harm. // TO TESTIFY: Call the Juneau Legislative Information Office at 907-465-4648 at least five minutes prior to the start of the committee hearing.
SB 140 is a blatantly discriminatory bill designed to exclude transgender girls and deny them the ability to participate fully in sports and school community. This bill will profoundly violate all students’ privacy by forcing educators and coaches to identify and separate transgender youth from their peers.
This bill is part of a coordinated attack on transgender student athletes across the country. Like so- called “bathroom bills,” these policies aim to erase and exclude trans people from sports, school communities, and all aspects of public life.
TESTIFY: Thursday, March 3rd at 10:00am in OPPOSITION to SB 140
How to Testify at the Hearing:
- Call five minutes before the hearing. Calling from:
- Anchorage (907)-563-9085
- Juneau (907)-586-9085
- Fairbanks (844)-586-9085
- All other locations in Alaska (844)-586-9085
- Ask to be redirected to the Senate Education Committee meeting to provide public
testimony on SB 140
- Stay on the line, when it is time to testify they will call on you and unmute your line
- Be sure to state your name, where you live, and that you oppose SB 140
Unable to call in to testify? No problem-- you can email or call committee members any time!
Senate Education Committee (where the bill is now) - Senate.Education@akleg.gov
● Chair Roger Holland (R - Anchorage, N), 907-465-4843, Senator.Roger.Holland@akleg.gov
● Vice Chair Gary Stevens (R - Homer, P) 907-465-4925, Senator.Gary.Stevens@akleg.gov
● Member Shelley Hughes (R - Palmer, F) 907-465-3743, Senator.Shelley.Hughes@akleg.gov
● Member Peter Micchiche (R - Soldotna, O) 907-465-2828, Senator.Peter.Micciche@akleg.gov
● Member Tom Begich (D - Anchorage, J) 907-465-3704, Senator.Tom.Begich@akleg.gov
Testimony Tips
● State your name
● State the community you live in (your district or zipcode is fine, don’t share your address)
● Thank the committee for their time
● State that you oppose SB 140
● Give a few sentences about why you oppose SB 140
● Restate opposition to SB 140
SB 140 Talking Points
● Discriminatory bills like SB 140/HB 230* heighten trans students’ risk of being bullied and attacked, which increases their risk of mental health issues and suicide.
● Denying trans students the opportunity to participate strips them of the many benefits of participating in sports, including better self-esteem, increased sense of belonging, and improved grades.
● This bill would violate basic privacy rights by requiring educators and coaches to police whether a student is trans or not, which the school is not legally or ethically authorized to do under medical privacy laws, professionalism standards, and non-discrimination laws.
● This bill imposes a narrow and unscientific definition of “sex” that invalidates gender identity – this is contrary to the growing consensus of medical and mental health professionals, not to mention federal law.
● There is simply no data to support fairness concerns when trans athletes participate, especially since less than 0.6% of people identify as transgender and not all want to play sports.
● These bill targets students of color – who are already routinely policed, shamed, and dehumanized in school settings – and will face outsized consequences, as administrators and other athletes perpetuate racist and sexist stereotypes about femininity and gender presentation.
● This bill will lead to the stigmatization and isolation of trans students, undermining their health, safety, and social and emotional development.
There are real issues with gender parity in sports, like unequal funding, resources, and pay. Promoting baseless fears about trans athletes does nothing to address these pressing problems. SB 140 does not solve any real issues, and instead actively stigmatizes, isolates, and denies basic participation in school activities to trans students. To protect students’ privacy and push back against discrimination, lawmakers must oppose this bill: let trans students be part of the team.
#AKLeg This Week
Each of the following sessions this week
will be livestreamed on www.akleg.gov
On Tuesday March 1 there are two hearings:
10:15 in House Energy - No Public Comment - House Bill 299 was introduced by Governor Dunleavy and encourages nuclear energy development in Alaska by eliminating the current statutory requirement that the legislature be involved in designating land for nuclear energy sites.
3:00 in House Social Service committee - Public Testimony Opportunity - Critical state services and programs are at risk with the proposed split of the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services. The split will only add to the financial cost of social service. Take Action Here with AKPIRG.
On Thursday March 3 there are two hearings:
10:00 AM in the Alaska Senate Education Committee - First hearing of the year on Senate Bill 140 — an anti-trans bill that would prevent a trans student being able to pick a sports team that matches their gender. SB 140 is yet another bill in a nationwide anti-trans state legislation campaign that has negatively impacted the mental health of 85% of 2S/LGBTQ youth across the country. Our legislators should be PROTECTING 2S/LGBTQ Alaskan students, NOT causing them further harm // TO TESTIFY: Call the Juneau Legislative Information Office at 907-465-4648 at least five minutes prior to the start of the committee hearing. Review other #AKLeg testifying tips here: http://akleg.gov/docs/pdf/AKLEG_Testimony_Instructions.pdf
3:30 in Senate State Affairs - Invited Testimony Only - HB 123 The Tribal Recognition Bill is getting a hearing with invited testimony only. Take Action to support this bill with Native Peoples Action.
3:30 in Senate State Affairs - Public Testimony Opportunity - SB 167/HB 286 are companion bills, introduced by Gov. Dunleavy, that will make it harder to vote in Alaska, putting our democracy at risk. This bill removes automatic voter registration, prevents voters from using an alternate ID to vote, and prevents family members and friends from helping each other vote. Learn more and take action with the Alaska Center.
AIDEA Reform Bill Introduced in Alaska Legislature
Written by Rebecca Noblin, Native Movement Policy Justice Lead
What is AIDEA and why does it need reform?
The Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA) is a public corporation of the State of Alaska, created in 1967 by the Alaska Legislature “to increase job opportunities and otherwise to encourage the economic growth of the state, including the development of its natural resources, through the establishment and expansion of manufacturing, industrial, energy, export, small business, and business enterprises.” AIDEA’s structure as a separate, though public, corporation of the State of Alaska allows it to operate through its governor-appointed board, which interprets its own establishing legislation to require very little public or legislative oversight of its decisions.
AIDEA reported $1.4 billion in assets in both 2020 and 2021. AIDEA has its hands in multiple projects across Alaska that support the extractive economy, including the Ambler Access Road, the West Susitna Access Road, and Arctic Refuge oil and gas leases. AIDEA is also currently suing the federal government to protect its interest in the Arctic Refuge leases.
AIDEA lacks transparency and public involvement. It also lacks adequate legislative oversight. Moreover, its board members are appointed by, and serve at the pleasure of, the governor, making it susceptible to political whims. Among AIDEA’s transparency issues is its board’s penchant for holding meetings in executive session, which are not public under Alaska’s Open Meetings Act. In 2020 the AIDEA board spent 68 percent of its meeting time in executive sessions. This included meetings where AIDEA made decisions to expend substantial amounts of public money. AIDEA also does not give sufficient public notice for its meetings, often giving notice five days or fewer before important decisions, such as spending $35 million on the Ambler Access Road. AIDEA also insists that it does not need legislative approval for these major expenditures of public dollars.
What does the AIDEA Reform Bill do?
On January 18, Representative Andy Josephson introduced House Bill 271, a bill designed to address some of the problems with how AIDEA operates. HB 271 would do a number of things, including:
Requiring legislative confirmation of the five public members of the board and the Director;
Requiring the public members of the board to come from different sectors, including a Tribal government representative, a member with experience in socially responsible investing, and a member with experience in renewable energy project development;
Instituting staggered 4-year terms rather than allowing the board to serve “at the pleasure of the governor”;
Increasing scrutiny and stakeholder involvement in all AIDEA projects over $10 million;
Increasing the dividend AIDEA pays to the state from 25 to 50 percent to no less than 50 percent;
Requiring 30 days notice for change of regulations and requiring AIDEA to publish a written justification for any change to a regulation;
Requiring AIDEA allow all interested members of the public at least two minutes to comment on any decision and requiring production of a publicly available response to public comments before voting on any action;
Requiring the release of more information publicly; and
Requiring local consent for projects over $10 million and requiring the creation of Regional Resource Advisory Councils.
While this bill would represent a major improvement in how AIDEA operates, there’s more that needs to be done. We will be pushing legislators to amend the bill to require more public notice of meetings, longer comment periods, and restrictions on meeting in executive session, among other things.
How can Alaskans get involved?
Sign up to get updates on AIDEA Reform legislation and AIDEA board meetings at www.BadAIDEA.org! When legislative hearings are scheduled on the AIDEA Reform legislation, you can call in to testify in favor of the legislation and strengthening amendments. And you can also call into AIDEA board meetings to make your voice heard.
The Trickster Times
In response to AFN’s Celebration this week, “ANCSA at 50: Empowering our Future”, we are sharing a NEW newspaper that chooses radical re-imagination of Indigenous sovereignty and #LANDBACK for our future in Alaska. Check out the whole paper at TricksterTimes.com and tell us, what is YOUR ideal headline in 50 years?
This is a project of Native Movement & Always Indigenous Media
Arts, Action and Community in Utqiagvik
Aloha!
The three main objectives of my Arts In Action Fellowship with Native Movement are to: 1) Learn a new skill, 2) Host a Community Art Build, and 3) Create an Art Piece. Since my last Blog Post, I held my Community Art Build and learned about screenprinting!
COMMUNITY ART BUILD
For my Art Build, I hosted an Art Night in my home community of Utqiagvik with the help of my sister Kawahine, Climate Justice Organizer; this event took place on Friday, October 29.
The goal of this Art Build was to provide a safe space for community members to express themselves through Art and to engage on topics/concerns regarding our northern communities.
Unexpectedly, the majority of the group were young Native men. People of all ages participated which allowed for great conversation, engagement and an opportunity to connect from different life experiences and perspectives.
I led the discussion by asking each participant what they envision for our communities and Kawahine asked what happiness meant to them which translated beautifully onto the canvases that they all got to bring home.
SCREENPRINTING
After several failed attempts, I eventually created my first successful screen print! My supervisor Jessi, Arts In Action Coordinator, walked me through the basics of Screenprinting which I've come to really appreciate as an artform. I learned very quickly that this process requires patience and careful attention. I created a (not-so-simple) design to try my hand at screenprinting.
My print portrays Arctic Alaskan tundra flowers: fireweed, cottonflower, wildflower and aqpik. Eventually, I got the hang of it and I felt so proud of myself and my cute little cloth print!
The past several weeks have been full of new experiences, reflection, and personal growth. I continue to learn more not only when it comes to arts organizing, but also learning more about myself as an artist. More to come, quyanaqpak!
- Kawai
The Arts in Action Fellowship with Native Movement is a 3-month part-time position which provides hands-on experience working with our team. The goal of this Fellowship is to give space to be creative in a collaborative environment, build capacity in our communities for Arts in Action, and support BIPOC, and queer artists/creatives who are interested in expanding their skills around Arts organizing.
November 30th • Tending to the Light
Learn how to support Native Movement’s work and meet our incredible, fiscally sponsored partners: Tanan Ch’at’oh Gwich’in Language School, the Herring Protectors, Fairbanks Climate Action Coalition, and the Poor People's Campaign. Register Here >>>
Individually and collectively, we are tending to the light in our lives: building community and people power. We are proud to be funded by and for our community. Every person, regardless of the amount you are able to contribute to this grassroots fundraising drive, is a meaningful part of this movement. We are grateful to be building community with you.
Native Movement is proud to be a part of a powerful movement led by Indigenous, Black, Queer, womxn, and gender non-binary communities rising up to interrupt destruction and restore balance. With your help, we continue our critical work to ensure Indigenous Peoples rights and the rights of Mother Earth with grassroots funding to advance a just and equitable community for ALL.
Introducing Kawai Danner, Native Movement Arts + Action Fellow
My name is Kawai Danner and I am the Arts In Action Fellow! I’m so excited for this amazing opportunity with Native Movement and I can’t wait to share my journey with you along the way. I am writing from Utqiagvik, Alaska, my beautiful hometown. My native roots and upbringing have inspired the work I do today and the passion I have for healing & wellness.
It took me a long time to come out of my shell when it comes to art. I’ve always loved writing and journaling which was my way of expressing emotions and spilling my thoughts onto a page. I know how it feels to create a piece of art, unsure of others’ reaction or how it’s portrayed. Eventually, with the motivation from my family and the hopes of reaching out to and uplifting people, I embraced and invested in my creative side. My art process begins with a feeling which may arise from within myself or in response to my environment; this feeling translates to an idea which then makes its way onto the canvas. I sketch by hand and finalize the art piece digitally. I feel most creative when I’m meditating or when I’m simply taking time for myself. Art is powerful and can be used to inspire meaningful change.
Through this Fellowship, I hope to gain new skills and tactics in using art as the driving force in activism. My goal is to become equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to be able to run community art builds and to create spaces for native artists, activists, and community members to connect and have meaningful discussions. I’ll be learning new skills like screen-printing, stencils, messaging, the inner workings of arts organizing and much more!
Thank you | Mahalo nui loa | Quyanaqpak
-Kawai
Artist Bio:
Kawai Danner (she/her) is from the coastal village of Utqiaġvik, Alaska and the island of Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi; she is Iñupiaq, Native Hawaiian, and German. As a Portland State University student, she is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science: Public Service and a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance. Through her work, Kawai strives to be a part of real, positive change that empowers indigenous communities while paving the way to a more sustainable future. Through her art, Kawai advocates for freedom of self-expression and aims to shed light on issues affecting native people, native land, and native rights. She is deeply passionate about mental health awareness, youth & community wellness, and cultural revitalization.
Instagram: @kawai.babyy
Buy Prints: https://ko-fi.com/kawaibaby
The Arts in Action Fellowship with Native Movement is a 3-month part-time position which provides hands-on experience working with our team. The goal of this Fellowship is to give space to be creative in a collaborative environment, build capacity in our communities for Arts in Action, and support BIPOC, and queer artists/creatives who are interested in expanding their skills around Arts organizing.
Public Testimony to Protect the Arctic Refuge
There's still time to give testimony at the BLM public hearings for the Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement on oil and gas development on the coastal planes of the Arctic Refuge. Today (Sep 15th) at 6PM and tomorrow at 1PM and 6PM.
Public Testimony by Nauri Toler
Native Movement Environmental Justice Community Organizer
Sept 14, 2021
I am Iñupiaq from Nuiqsut and Utqiagvik, I currently live in Eagle River on the homelands of the Dena’ina. Thank you for hosting these meetings. I'm glad to have an opportunity to look further into the impacts of development of oil and gas on the coastal plain.
First I want to highlight the difference between indigenous voices before and against this project. While it's not 100% true, my experience is that those that speak for the development stand to gain financially, and I'm not saying anything bad about that. But in contrast we who speak against development have a lot to lose. It's not measured in dollar amounts, but in culture, tradition, mental health etc. We speak about protecting our land for children and future generations, and those of the people we want to protect. Extractive development may provide a short-term financial gain, but with many immeasurable negative consequences. Our people have had so much taken from us within the last few generations, I feel it is owed to us to evaluate these kinds of projects with our health and wellness being the priority.
Consider things like violence against indigenous women and children increase with extracted development projects nearby. Consider impacts to mental health, sense of identity and how that may worsen with already significant problems with suicides within our communities, especially with our youth. Consider the cumulative impacts of our health and subsistence, our communities rely on subsistence not just for food but to practice together our traditions, to take pride in our way of life. This is important in this sensitive area where caribou calving happens.
Development not only creates reliance on financial income that will only last decades, it threatens subsistence practices we have relied on since time immemorial. It impacts our part of the world more so than other areas. I'm asking that our people, health, culture and traditions are given a priority after historically being an afterthought or considered a barrier.
We deserve justice and acknowledgment at some point. I am asking the BLM to lead in this an example of the powerful entity to be an ally to Indigenous people of Alaska and take our well-being as not just a consideration, but a priority in this evaluation. Thank you.
Willow Project Update: Wins for the Arctic!
“ Quyanaqpak (thank you so much) to those who support this work! It's starting to feel like we have some room to breath and focus on building the change we want to see. “ - Nauri Toller
Willow Project Update by Nauri Toller, Environmental Justice Organizer, Native Movement
If you haven't heard, we have some great news for our land protectors! There have been some major events in the Arctic Slope of Alaska regarding oil and gas development. First, in the western arctic near the village of Nuiqsut (also referred to as NPRA), a court ruling voided ConocoPhillps' permits on the Master Willow Project, essentially halting the project. This is great news as residents have voiced major concerns over subsistence impacts, industry accountability and environmental damage.
There are two options the industry has now, file an appeal to the ruling or redo the environmental assessment addressing the legal and policy violations. What seemed like a long-shot lawsuit to some has become a very exciting win! Other big news to celebrate is the denial for processing seismic testing applications in the Refuge (also called the Eastern Arctic or ANWR) by the Department of the Interior (DOI). As far as we know they will not process any applications until the Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) has been completed.
Commenting period for this ends on October 4th with zoom-based meetings being held on September 14th, 15th and 16th. For more information on the meetings and how to submit comments, visit the following link: https://www.blm.gov/press-release/blm-announces-public-meetings-supplemental-EIS-coastal-plain.
photo by Keri Oberly
Lawsuit Debrief & Summary courtesy of Earthjustice:
The Willow Project poses threats to the Western Arctic—and far beyond.
The project called for using giant chillers to refreeze the Arctic permafrost, which is melting due to climate change, in order to stabilize the ground for fossil fuel drilling.
ConocoPhillips would have built 37 miles of new gravel roads, seven bridges, an airstrip, and a gravel mine on public lands.
The project’s construction and daily operation would have devastated local wildlife, like polar bears, migratory birds, and caribou. It also would have jeopardized the health and traditional practices of nearby Alaska Natives.
Over its lifetime, Willow would have accelerated the climate crisis by releasing enough greenhouse gas emissions to equal that of 66 coal-fired power plants.
The Biden administration can’t uphold its stated climate goals and keep defending the Willow Project.
Despite a major legal setback this spring when a court halted the project and sharply critiqued the government’s analysis, Biden’s Department of Justice bafflingly continued the Trump administration’s defense of this climate threat.
Though the Biden administration has promised historic progress on fighting climate change, its support of Trump-era fossil fuel projects like Willow severely undermines U.S. climate goals.
What happens next?
The Interior Department must now go back and conduct a thorough environmental assessment before making a new decision.
Urgent Action to Protect The Arctic
Ask your Senators to Vote “NO”
on the Murkowski Ammendment
Congress has a chance to act this week to protect the Arctic Refuge by using the budget reconciliation process to call for buying back Refuge oil and gas leases. Unsurprisingly, Senator Lisa Murkowksi, who put the Refuge in harm’s way in the first place by sneaking coastal plain oil and gas leases into the Tax Act four years ago, introduced an amendment removing the critical buy-back provision – ONE DAY after the International Panel on Climate Change report called for governments to end all new fossil fuel exploration and production. (Thanks to our friends at Northern Center for this Action Alert)
And this is where you come in. The Senate will vote on the Murkowski amendment in the coming days, and senators need to hear from their constituents. You may choose to share your story and values connecting you to the Arctic Refuge, or to keep your message short and simple. Either way, be very clear you are asking for a “No” vote on the Murkowski amendment.
photo by Emily Sullivan
Untangling Colonialism Public Training • August 5th @ 1PM
Untangling Colonialism – Building a Decolonizing Framework. A decolonizing practice requires recognition of the history of colonization and its current manifestations. This training briefly covers United States Federal Indian Policy carried out dominantly in the lower 48 and its expansion into Alaska policy and the implications on Alaska Native peoples. Additionally, participants will discuss how the history of environmental conservation has mirrored colonial world-views and what possible strategies we can further in order to decolonize conservation. This training delves into the spectrum of decolonizing strategies; from various personal, institutional, and systemic pathways forward.
Meet the Trainers
“As a nonprofit environmental law firm in Alaska, we work with many coalitions and represent diverse interests. Native Movement is a valued partner and the decolonization trainings they provide are essential. Our Board and staff have done at least one of the trainings and it is so helpful for unlearning dominant culture norms and becoming/being aware of unconscious bias. Learning and unlearning with Native Movement is always effective, but especially in our current political culture.” - Vicki Clark, Executive Director, Trustees for Alaska
"The decolonization training helped our group of Indigenous and non-Indigenous researchers and community leaders get centered in the history of colonial relations and decolonial efforts in Alaska. It also helped us experience in a personal way what the impact of colonial processes was on tribes. Several members of our group incorporated aspects of the training into their work with Indigenous youth. I would recommend this training to anyone who is interested in partnering with Indigenous communities and organizations so that they can have a shared understanding of history and its affects on current day relationships." - Noor Johnson, Research Scientist, National Snow and Ice Data Center, University of Colorado Boulder
“Native Movement's decolonization workshop had a profound impact on the way I understand the shape of white supremacy and the conservation movement. It offered a powerful way forward toward building up communities and supporting each other on our path of healing and justice. Everyone needs to go…twice!” -Veri di Suvero, Anchorage community organizer
Indigenized THRIVE Booklet : Download
The THRIVE Agenda has taken many forms, but at heart it is a vision of a just future put to paper. In late 2020, it was brought to Congress as a resolution, and it will be proposed as a Bill this springtime. If it is passed by Congress, we would see massive changes in funding and investments, as well as climate adaptation and support to vulnerable communities.
It has been formed by the work of the Green New Deal Network, in community with hundreds of frontline grassroots organizations (including us!)
Is AIDEA for Alaskans?
SHARE YOUR CONCERNS DIRECTLY BY CALLING INTO THE AIDEA BOARD MEETING ON WEDNESDAY, JUNE 23RD AT 9:30AM AK.
TO CALL IN, DIAL 1 (888) 585-9008 AND ENTER CODE 212-753-619#. EMAIL YOUR COMMENTS TO PUBLICCOMMENT@AIDEA.ORG WITH A SUBJECT: RESOLUTION G21-18.
“Projecting two billion dollars in lease sales, that’s not going to happen and they know it from the beginning” said a Kaktovik resident on February 5th, 2019 in a meeting on the lease sales for the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). Specifically the 1002 area where Kaktovik village is located.
He was right, the lease sales held on January 6th, 2021 brought in less than 1% of that estimate. An inflated estimate was given to gain support for lease sales asserting that it would bring in money for Alaskans. Instead, about $12 million of the $14.4 million dollars that was spent on the leases came from Alaska’s own public corporation Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA).
I am Inupiaq and among the indigenous voices in opposition to AIDEA’s bids on the lease sales in the Refuge, which I urge them to relinquish. In a meeting the board held on January 13, 2021 AIDEA made the claim that the Kaktovik community was in support of development in the 1002 area. Clearly they didn’t read through the publicly available transcripts, the majority of residents had deep concerns or were outright opposed.
“I just want to be on the record saying that I oppose oil development, and I’d rather have it saved for our children’s future” said another Kaktovik resident. Yet another comment criticized the process itself saying “I want to go on the record saying that I think this was fast-tracked too fast, that it wasn’t given enough time for the EIS (environmental impact statement) to come out. Normally these things take more than three months”.
Instead, AIDEA points to representatives of corporations and groups that will have direct financial gain from oil and gas development in ANWR. Corporations like Kaktovik Inupiat Corporation (KIC). While these corporations are vital to have in the conversation, they don’t necessarily represent resident views. KIC has pushed for development in ANWR despite the major concerns and objections from Kaktovik community members.
AIDEA turns a blind eye to these concerns though, which isn’t a surprise considering their history of ignoring public opinions. A great example is the Ambler road project which local communities had significant concerns with. AIDEA denied the blood bank a $2.5 million dollar loan and at the same time approved $35 million for the Ambler road project in 2020.
AIDEA has had many bad investments and showcase a culture of bad practices. For example the Mustang project, on the north slope of Alaska, lost $70 million dollars. They are also being investigated for poor treatment of employees and a toxic work environment. Public transparency is a weak spot for them, AIDEA has abused their use of executive sessions with about 68% of their 2020 board meetings being held in private executive sessions.
How about conflict of interest? Chair J. Dana Pruhs businesses received over ninety thousand dollars of CARES Act grants and Vice Chair Bernie Karl received a hundred thousand dollars for his business. The Chair and Vice Chair terms expire on June 30th, is it possible we will see a much needed change within AIDEA’s board?
Now AIDEA is proposing to spend $1.5 million dollars towards a proposal for seismic testing. After significant public opposition, little industry interest in the lease sales and the Secretary of the Interior identifying significant legal problems with this Coastal Plain program, AIDEA is stubbornly pushing forward.
I ask that AIDEA listen to Alaskans, stop this seismic proposal, and drop the leases they currently hold in the Refuge.
Share your concerns directly by calling into the AIDEA board meeting on Wednesday, June 23rd at 9:30AM AK.
To call in, dial 1 (888) 585-9008 and enter code 212-753-619#. EMAIL your comments to publiccomment@aidea.org with a subject: Resolution G21-18.
Talking Points from Fairbanks Climate Action Coalition >> https://docs.google.com/.../1P6SWGOY07arnq9okRvcRfli.../edit
Arts in Action Fellowship
Are you interested in using your creative superpowers to support the issues that matter to you and building your skills in Arts organizing?
Deadline extended to July 16!
The Arts in Action Fellowship with Native Movement is a 3-month part-time position which will give you hands-on experience working with our team. The goal of this Fellowship is to give you space to be creative in a collaborative environment, build capacity in our communities for Arts in Action, and support BIPOC, and queer artists/creatives who are interested in expanding their skills around Arts organizing.
While tangibles and skills-building will depend greatly on the individual Fellow and their experience and interests, goals of the Arts in Action Fellowship include:
● Building hard skills around messaging, screenprinting, lino printing, banner making, how to run an art build, etc.
● Deepening understanding of the issues and Programs that Native Movement works on
● Deepening understanding of political art, artistic activism and arts organizing
The ideal candidate for this Fellowship will be able to work independently, and depending on location, remotely. They will also be able to work collaboratively within our team and demonstrate a passion for using their creativity in creating positive change. Some experience of community organizing would be beneficial but is not a requirement, though a demonstrated desire to engage on environmental and social issues is a must.
Alaska's Time To THRIVE: Fireside Chats
Additionally, you can take the survey linked below to share your insights so we can incorporate your feedback into the Alaskanized THRIVE zine and beyond.
Note: if you need to fill the survey out in more than one sitting, SUBMIT the survey and come back to edit your submission later to avoid losing your progress. It will not save if you close the window or close your laptop. Secondly, none of the questions are required, so please spend your time where it feels generative and don’t feel forced to wrestle with this survey! We are grateful for ANY and ALL forms of feedback.