Virtual Happy Hour: Protect the Arctic Refuge

This week, we were joined by our partners from the Alaska Wilderness League and 2 Towns Ciderhouse to discuss the ongoing fight for the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Oil and gas exploration is an imminent threat to America’s last best Wilderness, renowned for spectacular wildlife including caribou, polar bears, and muskoxen, as well as providing a way of life for indigenous people.

Take action for the Arctic here.

During the happy hour, we heard from Jody Juneby Potts. She is Han Gwich’in and an enrolled tribal member of the Native Village of Eagle. She spoke to her experience being raised on the land and the importance of the Arctic Refuge to her way of life. The Gwich’in people have been working to protect the porcupine caribou for over 40 years.

“The threats to our sacred lands and way of life is really also a human rights issue for our Gwich’in people. We need our healthy environment and we need healthy caribou to provide for our children, for our culture, our spirituality. Without the caribou, we really fear what would happen to our people.”

We also heard from Andy Moderow, the state director for the Alaska Wilderness League who gave use context on the fight to save the refuge and actions that we can all take.

Lastly, Matt Dickason, the Cellarmaster at 2 Towns Ciderhouse, talked about 2 Towns’ commitment to conserving the wild lands and waters of the Pacific Northwest by supporting organizations like Washington Wild.

Watch the full recording below or on our Facebook page.