 |  | | | The Gwich'in people | Thursday 8 November 2001 | | |
 The Gwich'in people live in fifteen villages in Northeast Alaska and Northwest Canada - with a total population of around 10,000.
Since 1988, major oil companies, corporations and the State of Alaska have been tryng to gain access to the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, for oil development.
This is the area known as the Gwich'in - home to a 130,000 strong Porcupine caribou herd - an animal of strong symbolic meaning to the people, and 'the sacred place where life begins'. The area is also home to over 100 species of migratory birds, as well as polar bears and musk oxen.
Now a US energy bill is threating the future of the Gwich'in people, and a new book has been published to inform people about their plight.
Jenni talks to Sandra Newman, Vuntut Gwich'in First Nation Councillor, responsible for Education, Caribou Co-ordination and Government Services. We, The People by Serle Chapman (Mountain Press, ISBN: 0952860759).
We, the People on Tour:
Nov 10th - Glastonbury Assembly Rooms Nov 14th - The Shelter, Vicar Street, Dublin Nov 15th - Book signing at Borders, Oxford Street, London Nov 16th - Chequer Mead Arts Centre, East Grinstead Nov 17th - Woodside Hall, Glasgow Nov 18th - The Royal Armouries Theatre, Leeds
Gwich'in Steering Committee
Gwich'in Tribal Council
The Gwich'in Language
Arctic National Wildlife RefugeDisclaimer
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