Voice from the North, a film about the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
produced by the Gwich'in Nation, will be shown at Plymouth Church October
26, 4126 Ingersoll Avenue, Des Moines, at 10 am in the Greenwood Room. 
Phyllis Mains will lead a discussion on why the Coastal Plain is
threatened by oil drilling because it is one the most fragile and
ecologically sensitive ecosystems in the world.  Learn why it must be
protected and what to do to help protect it.  The film shows dramatic
scenery from the Arctic Refuge and thousands of Porcupine Caribou during
migration and giving birth on the Coastal Plain.  The story is told by 
members of the Gwich'in about the how they  rely on the Porcupine Caribou
Herd to meet their essential physical, cultural, social, economic and
spiritual needs.  Their Resolution to Prohibit Development in the Calving
and Post-Calving Grounds of the Porcupine Caribou Herd  says "The
Gwich'in have the inherent right to continue our own way of life; and
that this right is recognized and affirmed by civilized nations in the
international covenants on human rights."

From the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Canada. 
Canada-US Relations Website www.can-am.gc.ca

Drilling in the Coastal Plain is a human rights issue, would break a
Treaty with Canada that says: "Canada and the United States have
committed to conservation of the Porcupine caribou herd and its habitat.
In recognition of the need for cooperative management of the herd, Canada
and the U.S. signed an Agreement on the Conservation of the Porcupine
Caribou herd in 1987.  Both countries have committed to protect the herd
and its habitat and to consult each other concerning activities that are
likely to cause significant long-term adverse impact.

At risk are the Porcupine caribou herd and the livelihood of Native
people.  The traditional way of life of the Gwitchin and Inuvialuit
peoples, who have relied on the herd for thousands of years, is directly
linked to the health and viability of the Porcupine caribou herd.  Oil
and gas development on the coastal plain will put the Porcupine caribou
herd, and therefore the Gwitchin and Inuvialuit ability to sustain
themselves, in jeopardy.  Canada supports the Gwitchin position that the
coastal plain must be preserved in its natural state to protect the
environment and the Gwitchin way of life."

"Canada has taken steps to protect the Porcupine caribou herd:   In the
1970s, Canada prohibited development on the Yukon North Slope,  In 1984
and 1993 respectively, Canada created Ivvavik and Vuntut National Parks. 
Adjacent to the Arctic Refuge, these parks protect the Canadian portion
of the Porcupine caribou calving and rearing grounds.  They were created
despite reports of substantial oil and gas potential in the area."
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