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Have a look at the aerial art we created, a "Gwich'in Human Art Message to the World".
The Gwich'in Steering Committee
was formed in 1988 in response to increasing threats to open the Sacred Place Where Life Begins, the coastal plain
(also known as 1002 area) of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to leasing for oil.
Recognizing that this threat to the caribou calving grounds was a threat
to the very heart of our people, the elders called upon the chiefs of all villages from Canada
to Alaska to hold a traditional gathering, Gwich'in Niintsyaa,
in Arctic Village for the first
time in over a century. In this meeting, we addressed the issue with a talking stick in
accordance with our traditional way, and came to the unanimous agreement that we would speak
with one voice against oil and gas development in the birthing and nursing grounds of the Porcupine
River caribou herd. Over the past 15 years, the Steering Committee staff, board, and volunteers
have succeeded at a grassroots level to educate the public and decision-makers on why the
“coastal plain” of the Arctic Refuge must be permanently protected as wilderness. We feel
strongly that a major part of our achievements are a direct result of the continuing wisdom and
guidance provided to us by our elders. The Gwich’in people stand united in our continued efforts
to protect the “1002 area” from oil and gas development.
Please explore this site to learn more about the
Gwich'in Culture, our relationship
with the caribou and the land, and our struggle to preserve
Iizhik Gwats'an Gwandaii Goodlit (The Sacred Place Where Life Begins), the
coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
A Tribute to Jonathon Solomon Sr.
"It is our belief that the future of the Gwich'in and the future of the caribou are the same. We cannot stand by and let them sell our children's heritage to the oil companies."
Johathon Solomon, Sr., The Seattle Times, Monday, March 5th, 2001
Jonathon Solomon passed away on July 13, 2006. Jonathon served on the Gwich'in Steering Committee since its formation. He drew upon decades of experience and knowledge from the Rampart Dam fight to the Alaska Native Land Claims Settlement, which helped to put the Gwich’in Nation in a stronger position to protect the Sacred Place Where Life Begins. We will continue to draw strength from his legacy.
A Moral Choice for the United States
The Human Rights Implications for the Gwich’in of Drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
The Gwich’in Steering Committee report which concludes that drilling
in the Arctic Refuge would violate the human rights of the Gwich’in people because of the impacts
drilling would have on Gwich’in subsistence, culture, and way of life. The report was prepared on behalf of, and under the
auspices of, the Gwich’in Steering Committee along with the Episcopal Church and Professor Richard J. Wilson,
Director of the International Human Rights Law Clinic at American University. The public interest law firm
Trustees for Alaska coordinated the preparation of the report.
READ ONLINE 
[PDF 2.076MB]
