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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."

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."