Caribou No Oil and Gas Drilling

Caribou No Oil and Gas Drilling The Sacred Place Where Life BeginsThe Gwich’in people call the calving grounds of the Porcupine Caribou herd Izhik Gwat’san Gwandaii Goodlit—“The Sacred Place Where Life Begins.” The place where conditions are perfect for giving birth lies within the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Sarah James, Gwich’in Nation elder, has been speaking for the caribou for many years, speaking out against allowing oil and gas drilling in the middle of this sacred area.“I was a participant in the Peace and Dignity Run in 2000, and Sarah James hosted us as we flew in from Denver to Arctic Village, which is a community with no road going in or out, only accessed by bush plane out of Fairbanks, Alaska. While there, I was fortunate to be along on a caribou hunt with the elder named Moses Sam. This was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I feel honored to put together this ledger on behalf of the caribou and the Gwich’in Nation. The ledger came into being when Sarah called me to l