The Trump administration has advanced the process of opening up the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to lease sales. The Department of Interior released its "Record of Decision" on August 17, 2020

The Trump administration has advanced the process of opening up the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to lease sales. The Department of Interior released its "Record of Decision" on August 17, 2020 taking the most aggressive and destructive drilling alternative possible. It paves the way for lease sales as early as December. During an oil glut, increasing threats from climate change, and a world-wide pandemic, the administration will attempt to lease the entire Coastal Plain of the Arctic Refuge-- more than 1.5 million acres-- to the oil industry. Representing the last 5% of America’s Arctic Coastal Plain where the law has barred oil and gas activity, this would forever transform these wild lands into a toxic industrial drilling complex. The Gwich’in people who depend on these lands call it “the sacred place where life begins.”

This move threatens the food security, and spiritual and cultural foundation of the Indiginous Gwich'in Nation, in addition to threats to endangered polar bears, the Porcupine Caribou herd, and birds that migrate to these lands from six continents and all 50 states. This is one of the most high-profile battles in America today at the intersection of the environment and social justice. 

This video includes five members of the Gwich’in community-- raising their voices at the 2016 Gwich’in Gathering in Arctic Village, Alaska-- Neets’aii Gwich’in Tribal Land. Thanks to Arctic Village Council, Venetie Tribal Council and Native Village of Venetie Tribal Government for permission for National Geographic photographer Florian Schulz to record these testimonies.

#ProtectTheArctic #StandwiththeGwichin

Voices include:

Dr. Rev. Trimble Gilbert
Sarah James
Nani’eeth Peter
Gideon James
Anthony Garnett
Narrator: Princess Daazhraii Johnson

Bill reports on the hypocrisy of "justice for all" in a society where billions are squandered for a war born in fraud while the

Bill reports on the hypocrisy of "justice for all" in a society where billions are squandered for a war born in fraud while the poor are pushed aside. He draws particular attention to the failing legacy of Gideon vs. Wainwright, the landmark Supreme ruling that established the constitutional right of criminal defendants to legal representation, even if they can't afford it. Turns out true justice -- not just the word that comes from our lips when we recite the Pledge of Allegiance -- is still unaffordable for those who need it most. Published on Mar 29, 2013

Gideon Rosenblatt explores how companies can be good for the soul -- for customers,

Gideon Rosenblatt explores how companies can be good for the soul -- for customers, employees, and for keeping the bottom line aligned with the greater good. Jan 2012.TEDx Rainier.